At least three army soldiers were killed and 39 wounded, six of them critically, in a massive explosion near Adipora in apple-rich town of Sopore in north Kashmir on Saturday afternoon.

The police said an improvised explosive device (IED) planted in a parked scooter exploded causing massive damage to a private bus carrying army soldiers. The bus was part of an army convoy, which was on the way to Bandipore from Srinagar.

"Following the massive explosion, the bus caught fire and was destroyed. Security forces immediately rushed to the spot," said a police officer in Baramulla.

The injured troopers have been taken to hospital. Sources said the critically injured have been airlifted to army base hospital in Srinagar for specialised treatment.

No group has yet taken responsibility for the blast.

Senior army and police officers have reached the spot and sources said the area is being searched by troops.