SYDNEY - Six school children are in hospital in a serious condition after a bus crash on the north coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, local media reported on Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to Hastings River Drive in Port Macquarie, about 3:45 pm (local time) on Tuesday, responding to reports that a bus had left the road and crashed, police said.

Around 30 people were assessed by paramedics at the scene with six teenagers taken to hospital in serious but stable conditions, according to the Australian Associated Press (AAP).

The six children sustained injures ranging from limb fractures to suspected spinal injuries, a NSW ambulance spokesman said.

The bus driver was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Local police are investigating the crash at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area as the road is closed.