At least 12 dead and dozens injured after bus sliced in half

At least 12 people have been killed and 40 others injured after a bus was sliced in half when it smashed into a concrete tunnel.

The horror crash happened after the driver lost control in Rajasthan's Sikar district in India today.

The privately operated vehicle was travelling on a road in Sikar before it collided with a culvert at around 2pm, say police.

Terrified witnesses told officers the bus started to swerve erratically before hitting the concrete structure at speed.

Two passengers are believed to have died during the initial impact with chilling images showing the aftermath of the accident.

The front of the bus can be seen completely mangled as emergency workers use a crane to try and shift the wreckage.

Three others tragically died during surgery, said SK Hospital Superintendent Mahendra Khichad.

Around 23 people are still recieving treatment for various serious injuries.

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma gave a heartfelt statement after the crash.

He said: 'It is truly heartbreaking that lives were lost in this unfortunate incident.

'My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who have passed away.

'Rest assured, the authorities have been tasked with ensuring that the injured individuals are provided with the best possible treatment.'

There has been no confirmation on what caused the crash as of yet.

India's prime minister Narendra Modi announced plans to give the loved ones of the deceased 200,000 Indian Rupees - the equivalent of £1,829.

Those who survive their injuries will be gifted 50,000 Indian Rupees (£457), according to the Prime Minister's Office.