At least 42 people have died in a collision between a bus and a truck in south-west France on Friday. The truck driver was among those killed as both vehicles caught fire. Local reports said most passengers of the bus were killed instantly, while less than ten people are reported to have survived. The crash took place near the town of Libourne, to the east of Bordeaux.

Local reports said the bus was carrying elderly passengers who were on vacation. A town hall official said the crash had taken place on a dangerous bend, which has been the site of other accidents in the past. More than 50 firefighters arrived at the spot soon after the accident, which is believed to be the worst road mishap in France in 30 years. In 1982, 53 people died in a bus accident near Beaune in eastern France.

French President Francois Hollande tweeted: “An accident has caused many deaths in Gironde. The government of France is fully mobilised for this terrible tragedy.”