Horror Hong Kong bus crash leaves six dead and 39 injured after roof sliced open

Harrowing pictures show the aftermath of a horror bus crash in Hong Kong that left six dead and at least 39 injured.

Images show the mangled wreckage of the double decker bus after it hit a tree near a roundabout while travelling towards Sheung Shui in New Territories.

Three passengers were thrown out of the bus from the upper deck during the crash, according to local media Apple Daily.

At least one passenger was seen trapped inside the damaged bus and several bodies were laid out on the side of the road, it is reported.

Five people, including three men and two women, were pronounced dead at the scene and one died after being taken to hospital.

Firefighters were called to the scene and freed the passengers from the bus (Hong Kong Police)

One injured passenger said: "I felt that the bus swerved to one side and I thought the driver rear-ended a car.

"But when I looked up and realised the roof was sliced open."

Eyewitness Mr Wong said: "Some passengers were injured in the head and some remained unconscious after the crash."

Firefighters responded to the scene to remove the tree (Hong Kong Police)

The left side of the upper deck was sliced open after the crash (AFP via Getty Images)

Pictures released by the police shows the left side of the bus completely ripped open.

The window was smashed into pieces and some seats were left hanging mid-air.

Firefighters and police officers arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations.

Hong Kong Police posted an update on Facebook that the lanes of Fanling Highway Sheung Shui bound near Tsung Pak Long remained closed.

Police and forensics were sent to the scene for investigations (Hong Kong Police)

The seats were left hanging mid-air after the crash (Hong Kong Police)

Drivers are advised to use alternative routes.

A spokesperson for KMB expressed deep sadness in a statement and offered condolences to the families of those killed.

The bus operator has offered to provide support to those injured and the families of the victims and said it would cooperate with police investigations.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam has expressed shock and sadness by reports of the crash.

Three passengers were throw out of the bus when it hit a tree (AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement, the government said she has instructed relevant departments including the Social Welfare Department and the Home Affairs Department, alongside the Hospital Authority, to provide all appropriate assistance to injured people and family members.

"Mrs Lam also expressed her condolences and sympathy to all [those affected]," it added.