Taipei

The official Central News Agency says the accident took place shortly after noon today on the No 2 national highway in Taoyuan county, south of the capital, Taipei.

Media reports said those aboard were tourists from China, but officials have not confirmed that.

CNA and others reported that the bus apparently smashed into a roadside barrier and caught fire. Photos from the scene showed flames and thick black smoke pouring from the cab of the bus.

Taoyuan fire department official Zeng Hao said by phone that the total number of dead and injured was still being compiled.