Five die in Austria bus crash

Five people were killed today when a tourist bus in Austria carrying 42 Britons plunged down a steep embankment and crashed into a field.

Dozens more were injured as the vehicle fell nearly 100ft, spinning over twice before it hit the ground landing upside down.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and one air ambulance pilot described the aftermath as “like a war zone”.

The accident happened around 4.30pm near the town of Hallein and the injured were later taken for hospital treatment in Salzburg.

Aboard the coach were 46 tourists – 42 Britons, two Russians, one Australian and one German, according to local rescue officials.

One said: “We know that there are more people seriously injured.”

The passengers were on an excursion organised by UK tour operator Inghams, which has set up an emergency hotline for those who fear relatives may be involved.