A deadly bus crash in southern Germany

German police say some 31 people were injured and up to 18 people were feared dead after a tour bus burst into flames in Bavaria. The bus carrying 48 passengers and two drivers collided with a trailer truck in a traffic jam in southern Germany.

It is not yet clear what caused the collision. The crash occured on the motorway a9, close to the Bavarian town of Stammbach.

"We are realistic and will have several dead to report at the end of the day," a police spokesperson said.

It was unclear what kind of tour group the bus was carrying. An emergency team, including rescue workers and firefighters, were at the scene, while traffic on the highway was closed in both directions because of the accident.

Those hurt, many with life-threatening injuries were taken to hospitals.