A van carrying Japanese citizens in Karachi was attacked by terrorists on Friday, leaving three people, including a security guard, dead.

Police said the incident occurred when the van carrying five Japanese nationals was travelling through Mansehra Colony in Karachi's industrial Landhi district.

Officials said the van was fired upon before a suicide bomber attempted to ram his explosives-laden motorbike into the van but detonated just ahead of the vehicle.

As a result, at least three people on board the van were injured, including two security guards, identified as 45-year-old Noor Muhammad and 45-year-old Langar Khan. Noor Muhammad later succumbed to his injuries during treatment. A third guard, Salman Rafique, was also seriously injured.

One foreign national suffered minor injuries and was provided first aid.

Police said the suicide bomber was killed in the attack while his companion was killed by police. Officials said that the companion was also a suicide bomber and that they found an explosives-laden vest and a grenade strapped to his chest.

Officials said the foreign nationals worked at the Export Processing Zone.

This is the worst suicide bombing on foreign nationals in Karachi since a van full of Chinese teachers was attacked by Baloch separatist groups in Karachi University two years ago. At least five people, including three Chinese teachers were killed in that attack.