Police are appealing for witnesses after a bus carrying 29 people crashed and rolled on the Bruce Hwy in Queensland, leaving one dead and others fighting for life.

In a statement, Queensland Police said initial investigations indicated the bus was travelling south along the highway from Cairns to Airlie Beach on Thursday.

About 4pm, the bus left the the roadway and rolled onto its side at Gumlu, north of Bowen.

Police confirmed one person had died.

“Several other passengers were injured and transported to Townsville, Ayr, and Bowen Hospitals,” police said in a statement.

“The bus driver, a 70-year-old Mackay man, was transported to Bowen Hospital with minor injuries.

“Anyone with relevant vision is also urged to contact police.”

Earlier in the night, a Queensland Police spokesman said five people had serious injuries and two had been been airlifted to hospital.

“Police are on scene following a serious traffic crash involving a bus along the Bruce Highway at Gumlu,” a spokesman said.

“The Bruce Highway is closed in both directions; motorists are urged to avoid the area or expect long delays.”

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said three of the people received life-threatening injuries in the crash.

A spokesman confirmed no children were on the bus and nine passengers were not injured.

The crash happened on a remote part of the highway and emergency services are still responding to the incident.

Investigations are continuing.