A traffic accident has killed five and injured 13 in northern Kyrgyzstan, according to the country's Ministry of Health press service, Paralel.Az reports citing Xinhua.

The incident occurred on Friday at around 11:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on a bypass highway near Bishkek, according to data from law enforcement agencies.

A minivan heading towards Bishkek skidded and veered into the oncoming lane, colliding with a minibus. The collision sent both cars flying to the side of the road.

Four people died on the spot, and another one died in the hospital. Among the 13 injured, four were hospitalized, including one in critical condition who is in intensive care, the ministry of health said.