SEVENTEEN people have been injured after a double decker bus full of students crashed into a river. The bus "left the carriageway" on Bishopstoke Road near Eastleigh in Hampshire, before ploughing into the River Itchen just before 10am this morning. Fourteen passengers were treated for injuries with an additional three deemed "high priority", according to the ambulance service. The Bluestar double-decker was College Bus 607 for Barton Peveril students, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Pictures from the scene showed the large blue bus sitting upright in the shallow river River Itchen with broken railings left behind. Multiple emergency services swooped down on the scene after the chaotic crash. At least five ambulances are at the scene on the residential road, and an air ambulance has landed near the crash site, which has been cordoned off by police. Fire crews were also seen carrying ladders and working with stretchers to bring any remaining passengers off the bus. All passengers have since been removed from the bus which is sitting upright in the River Itchen, said the ambulance service. Bluestar have confirmed there were nineteen passengers on-board at the time of the crash. Scott Agass said that his 17-year-old son was onboard when it crashed, but is thankfully ok. He told the Echo: "We are just waiting for our son who was onboard. They are not in the bus at the moment, I think they are all out. "He said he was sitting there with a blanket and a monitor on his finger. He doesn't really know what happened or what caused it. "I suppose it just happened so quick. All he saw was that it crashed and gone in the river." It is understood that other families of the youngsters are gathered at the Eastleigh Rugby Club Hub awaiting more information from police. Barton Peveril Sixth Form College has just said its staff are working closely with police to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students. Bluestar, which operates the double-decker, has said "early reports suggest the bus left the highway and came to rest in a shallow river". Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: "There were 19 passengers on-board at the time. "Our driver and at least two of the passengers have confirmed injuries, and we are awaiting further updates on the status of others on-board. “We do not currently have full details of their injuries and are following their progress closely. “Our thoughts are with everybody involved, and we wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery. “At this time, we do not know the circumstances behind this incident and are carrying out an immediate investigation. We are also assisting the police as they carry out their own enquiries." Cops advised people to "avoid the area" with the road currently cordoned off. Police said it is anticipated the road "may be closed for up to 12 hours" as the urgent investigation and recovery continues. A spokesperson for the ambulance service added: "We’re continuing to support and assess patients on scene. "Three high priority patients are being taken to hospital. Around 14 with less serious injuries are being treated on scene." The force said in a statement: "We ask that people do not attend the actual scene. For concerned parents, an Incident Centre has been established at The Hub at Bishopstoke. "An officer and college staff will be available at the Hub to provide updates and address any questions you may have."