At least three people died in a bus accident in Norway

At least three people died in a bus accident in Norway, according to police.

The accident happened around 13:30 local time (12:30 GMT) in the Hadsel district on the northwest coast of the country.

The bus left the road and partially ended up in Lake Asvatnet, according to a press release from the authorities.

It is believed to have been carrying 58 people at the time of the crash, many of whom police said were foreign nationals.

In addition to the dead, the police reported that four people were seriously injured.

Three people were taken to Stockmarkness Hospital by rescue helicopter, while the other passengers were taken to a nearby school.

According to local media, everyone was taken out of the car.

The Norwegian Red Cross said on social media that it was sending teams to help in the event of a “serious bus accident” on the E10.

Firefighters, EMS and police are also on the scene.

There have been reports of heavy snowdrifts and strong winds in the area, complicating rescue efforts.

Public broadcaster NRK reported that the bus was traveling from the city of Narvik to the Lofoten archipelago.

The mayor of nearby Vaughan Widar, Tom Benjaminsen, said a “crisis team” had been set up and that a local hotel had been set aside for family members and as a reception centre.

Prime Minister Jonas Gar Stere said the accident was a “very serious situation” and that his thoughts were with all those affected.