Several people were killed and others injured after a bus carrying tourists returning from a trip to Niagara Falls crashed in New York State, AFP reported.  

"There are many seriously injured and, as just reported by the New York State Police, there are also several fatalities," Mark Poloncarz, Erie County Executive, wrote on social media.

State police spokesman James O'Callaghan said the bus was carrying more than 50 people from New York to Niagara Falls, on the border with Canada, for a day trip and was returning home at the time of the accident.

Many of the passengers were of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent.

"For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control, entered the median strip, exceeded the speed limit, and ended up in the ditch. The bus was traveling at full speed. It did not hit any other vehicle," O'Callaghan added.

The police spokesman said that there were still people trapped in the wreckage, while others had been thrown out on impact.

At least one child was among the dead, O'Callaghan said, without specifying the exact number of victims.

"I am closely following the tragic tourist bus accident in western New York. My heart goes out to all those we have lost and all those who have been injured, and I pray for their families. I thank our brave first responders at the scene," said New York Senator Chuck Schumer. | BGNES