Four dead and 12 critically injured after Seattle bus crash

At least four people have been killed and several others seriously injured after a charter bus and a "Ride the Ducks" amphibious tour vehicle crashed in Seattle.

Emergency services at the scene said 44 people were taken to hospital, with 12 thought to be in a critical condition.

A statement from North Seattle College says that the bus involved in the smash had been chartered by the college for students and staff members from the International Program. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray confirmed one of the buses had foreign students on board.

The college said that they "are working to learn the status of all students and employees involved in the accident".

The scene of the crash on the Aurora Avenue Bridge in Seattle. Credit: Seattle Fire Department

NBC News reports that it wasn't clear what caused the crash. Two cars were also involved in the crash.

Around 50 people were cleared from the scene, the Seattle Police department said.

The people on the charter bus suffered the majority of the significant injuries, a fire department spokeswoman said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the families involved in today's tragic accident," Ride the Ducks said in a statement.