At least '47 hurt' in horror school bus SMASH – children 'fighting for lives'

Pictures show the bus smashed up after it ploughed into a wall.

Initially the injury toll was thought to have been at least 21, but according to local media that has now risen to 47.

Many of those on board were children, according to reports, and five are said to be in a critical condition.

It is thought the crash happened at around 7am local time – around 6am UK time.

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Eberbach, Germany, in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.

Another five people are thought to be in a serious condition, although not life threatening.

It is believed the bus crashed into an electronics shop.

The driver escaped with light injuries, reports suggest, and the cause of the crash is unknown at this stage.

A number of helicopters were thrust into action following the crash.