Double-decker bus topples over killing 18 and injuring dozens more in Hong Kong

Spectators and workers from a horse racing event were aboard

A double-decker bus has toppled over in Hong Kong killing 18 people and injuring nearly 50 more.

The bus was full and driving at speed when it crashed in the New Territories area, authorities said.

Spectators and workers from a horse racing event were aboard when the accident happened.

At least 15 men and three women died and another 47 people were injured, with 19 in a serious condition, the region's Hospital Authority said.

Photos and videos published by local media or posted by users on social media showed the gold-coloured bus lying on its side while emergency workers treat injured passengers nearby.

Footage of rescue workers cutting open the roof of the bus was shared widely on Facebook.

The bodies of dead passengers can be seen laid out on the ground covered in white sheets.

Representatives from the bus operator said the driver in question had a good track record and knew the route well, the BBC reported.

The South China Morning Post newspaper said it was the Asian financial centre's deadliest traffic accident since a 2003 bus accident that killed 21 people.

Agencies contributed to this report.