Five people have died after a tour bus crashed on the New York State Thruway

Five people have died after a tour bus crashed on the New York State Thruway in western New York, according to New York State Police.

Police say the group was returning from Niagara Falls on the US-Canada border to New York City when witnesses saw the vehicle lose control and turn over.

They say most of the victims are from India, China and the Philippines.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul says local officials are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved.

Ambulances and medical helicopters were sent to the crash site, near the town of Pembroke, 30 miles east of the city of Buffalo.

Police confirm the 52 people on board at the time of the crash were aged between one and 74.

Some victims were thrown from the vehicle when it crashed, police have said, and it is believed most were not wearing seatbelts.

Several people were trapped inside the wreckage for several hours.

Translators were brought to the scene to assist in the investigation.

Andre Ray major, New York State Police troop commander, says the cause of the collision is still under investigation however mechanical failure as well as operator impairment have been ruled out at this time.