Eight people have been injured, five hospitalised, after a school bus smashed into a tree in South Auckland.

Police said others are being treated at the scene after the incident on Elliot St, Pahurehure, just before 9am.

Photos from the scene show the front of the Auckland Transport bus with its windscreen completely smashed, wedged against a tree.

A fire chief at the scene said those on the bus were mostly schoolkids, and he recognised Rosehill Intermediate and Rosehill College uniforms.

“We helped ambulance … there was a lot of walking wounded”, Papakura Fire Brigade senior station officer Brendon Lawson said.

A bus has smashed into a tree on Elliot St, Pahurehure. 

Around a dozen firefighters from Papakura, Manurewa, Papatoetoe and a volunteer mobile support unit attended.

A St John spokesperson said eight people were injured in the crash.

Out of three people hospitalised, two people were seriously injured and one other was moderately injured.

“Two other patients self-transported to a local medical centre, in a moderate condition.

“The remaining three patients were assessed and treated at the scene.”

Eight people were injured when a school bus crashed into a tree in South Auckland.

The police spokesperson said all passengers were now off the bus and the vehicle was partially blocking the road.

“Police are conducting an examination at the scene and the public is advised to avoid the area if possible.”

A St John spokesperson said they sent three ambulances, one rapid response vehicle, and one manager to the scene.

Eight people were injured when a school bus crashed into a tree in South Auckland.

Motorists on social media reported driving past and seeing students sitting on the side of the road “looking shocked”.

Auckland Transport and police have been approached for comment.