Multiple people dead after tour bus crashes on New York highway

Multiple people have died after a tour bus crashed on the New York State Thruway in western New York, according to New York State Police.

Police said the group was returning from Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border to New York City when witnesses saw the vehicle lose control and turn over. Most of the victims are from India, China and the Philippines, according to police.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said local officials "are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved".

Ambulances and medical helicopters were sent to the crash site, near the town of Pembroke, 30 miles (48km) east of the city of Buffalo.

At least one child has been killed, said New York State Police spokesman James OCallaghan.

"As were progressing through this, were losing more people unfortunately," the trooper told reporters, adding: "Most people on the bus did not have a seatbelt on."

Some victims were thrown from the vehicle when it crashed, the trooper added.

Several people are still believed to be trapped inside the wreckage.

Translators are being brought to the scene to assist in the investigation.

The crash took place approximately 40 miles from Niagara Falls, a major tourist destination on the US-Canada border.

According to police, there were 52 people on board at the time of the crash.

The bus was heading eastbound and lost control, veering into the median and then into a ditch, according police.

Officials said that "multiple people are dead" and that there are "multiple entrapments, and multiple injuries". Authorities have yet to release the total number of fatalities.

Multiple children were on board at the time of the crash, police say.

At least 21 patients have been admitted to local hospitals.

One witness told The Buffalo News that he saw a bus laying on its side and items strewn on the roadway following the crash.

"There was glass all over the road and peoples stuff all over the road," said Powell Stephens, who drove past the crash site.

"Windows were all shattered. Everyone seemed conscious and OK, but I only saw the scene for about 15 seconds."

ConnectLife, an organisation that provides blood to hospitals in the region, has issued an emergency appeal for blood donations.

"Our community is facing a crisis," said spokeswoman Sarah Diina.

"This is one of those moments when your action can directly save lives," said Diina. "Please donate. If you cant, help us by spreading the word."

Authorities are requesting drivers with dashcam footage of the crash to come forward to aid in their investigation.