British youngsters hurt in tour bus crash

A tour bus reported to be carrying British youngsters was involved in a head-on crash in Canada tonight.

Eleven people were taken to hospital after the bus collided with a lorry in eastern Ontario shortly after 6pm.

Police reported that the tour bus was full of young passengers from England, aged between 14 and 21.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office was unable to confirm any details, but said: "We are looking into the reports."

Describing damage to the vehicles as "excessive", City of Kawartha Lakes Constable Mark Boileau told CTV Newsnet: "It appears it's a head-on collision between the two vehicles."

The police officer said collision investigators were examining the scene to find out what caused the crash.

He said it was not yet known if weather was a factor.

"It was raining up here prior to the accident but that will be determined by the investigation," he said.

The Canadian authorities said they were in the process of informing families.

Local journalist Jason Bane, who is at the scene, said: "It was a head-on collision and the front of the bus has been destroyed.

"There were several thunderstorms passing through the area at the time. It has been raining quite hard.

"Several people have been taken to a recreation centre near the scene - the ones that were not taken to hospital."