US: Multiple deaths after elementary school bus crash

NEW YORK (AA) – Multiple deaths are reported after a bus transporting elementary school students crashed Monday afternoon in the southern U.S. state of Tennessee, officials confirmed.

At least 23 people were taken to area hospitals but there are "no firm numbers" on fatalities after the crash in Chattanooga, its fire department said on Twitter, describing the incident as "very serious".

The Times Free Press, a local news outlet, put the confirmed death toll at six, citing Hamilton County District Attorney Neal Pinkston.

Representative Chuck Fleischmann, whose district includes Chattanooga, said the bus was carrying students from the Woodmore Elementary school.

"I am absolutely heartbroken over this tragedy and I will pray for the children and their families," he said on Twitter.

No details were immediately available on the nature of the accident.