A bus overturned in the early hours of the morning in Thailand killing at least 17 passengers and injuring 40 others.

The coach was taking government workers on a study trip from Bueng Kan in the north of the country down to Rayong around 520 miles (840km) away.

But the vehicle skidded and spun out of control on a steep downhill curve in Prachinburi province at around 3 am on Wednesday, February 26.

Footage from the scene of the crash shows the bus on its side as rescue teams search the wreckage and paramedics treat the injured. Bodies covered in white sheets were also laid out on the ground.

Lieutenant Colonel Siwaphat Phuriphatchaibunchu said officers received an emergency call. He said they found the bus at the scene with the roof 'completely torn off'.

The police chief added: 'Traffic was closed in both direction of the road. The injured passengers were taken to different hospitals.'

Police said the driver was injured and treated at the scene. He told officers that the brakes failed and he was unable to control the bus.

Officials said they are investigating the cause of the crash by checking the wreckage of the vehicle. The driver will be questioned again once he has been discharged from hospital.