A commuter ferry has crashed into the dockside in Lower Manhattan in New York, injuring between 30 and 50 people.

The Sea Streak Ferry, which provides daily services from Atlantic Highlands in New Jersey, struck Pier 11 at about 8.45am ET (1.45pm GMT).

Officials say at least one of the passengers has critical injuries.

The vessel struck a loading barge that it was passing while trying to dock, according to Sea Streak President James Barker.

“There was a jolt when that occurred, throwing the people forward into their seats and the walls,” Mr Barker told NBC 4 New York.

Many other passengers were taken off the ferry on back boards for medical evaluation, their heads and necks immobilised.

About a dozen people on stretchers were spread out on the dock, surrounded by emergency workers and firefighters.

A corner of the ferry appeared to have been ripped open by the impact.

More follows…

Watch Ferry Crash Video New York

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