A little boy is among two people who died after a lorry smashed into a bus carrying pre-school children in the US.
It has been reported that 44 youngsters and 11 adults were in the vehicles before the collision in Bastrop County, Texas, on Friday, in which the bus rolled.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services released a statement to say that five ambulances and two helicopters had rushed to the scene.
“Bus rollover with [more] than 40 patients involved,” a tweet read. “Avoid the area.
“Expect closures for a large [number] of first responders working the scene.”
A later tweet confirmed that four were critically injured, six had potentially serious injuries and the remainder had minor injuries.
The child who died "was a precious young boy" who was a pre-K (playgroup or reception class) student at Tom Green Elementary School in Buda, according to Eric Wright, school district superintendent. The child's name was not released.
Congressman Greg Caser, who represents the area, tweeted: “This crash was horrific. We will support these families however we can.
“I am grateful to the first responders and medical professionals who are working to save lives, as we mourn those from our community who we’ve lost.”
The bus was struck at about 2pm when the concrete truck, which was travelling in the opposite direction, veered into the bus lane.
Initial information indicated the truck hit the bus head-on, causing it to roll over.
Fellow congressman Chip Roy added: “Very difficult news. Praying for all those involved, first responders, and medical providers.”
Senator Ted Cruz said: “Heidi and I are praying for the families impacted by this terrible accident in Bastrop — and we are praying for God’s tender hands to heal the injured.”
