TWO people with life threatening injuries are being treated at Southampton General Hospital after a double-decker bus overturned on a Hampshire road.

Emergency services, including 10 ambulances, were called to the scene on the B3400 Andover Road, near Basingstoke, at around noon.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) has confirmed 18 passengers were injured, which included two patients with life-threatening injuries. They wer taken to the major trauma unit at Southampton hospital, along with another three patients with serious injuries.

Meanwhile, six passengers with minor injuries were taken to Basingstoke Hospital.

A further seven were assessed and discharged at the scene as uninjured.

Three uninjured children were taken to Basingstoke hospital by SCAS as a place of safety because they were unaccompanied on the bus at the time of the accident.

The road is closed in both directions between the Deane Gate Inn and Oakley Village.

It is expected to remain closed until later this evening and drivers are advised to avoid the area if possible.

A police spokesman added: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and we will be working with our partners to ensure the road is opened as quickly as possible.”