THIS is the shocking moment students scream “we’re going to die” as a bus crashed into a river and injured 17 people.

Disturbing footage, filmed by a horrified young passenger, shows the double decker barrelling down quiet Hampshire roads, just before 10am today.

A youngster behind the camera says: “Oh my god, the bus has just had a major crash and now he’s speeding off.”

Someone else yells in panic: “Get away from the windshield.”

“We’re going to die, we’re actually going to die, what’s he doing?”, says the concerned boy filming.

“Oh my god, oh my god, we’re actually going to die,” he repeats, his voice growing more shaky.

Terrified screams pierce through the air as the camera falls and the large vehicle loses control.

The video cuts off as the bus ploughs into the River Itchen, on Bishopstoke Road, near Eastleigh.

It comes as the driver earlier blamed faulty brakes and a “jammed accelerator”.

Three passengers were rushed to hospital while fourteen were treated for minor injuries.

Pictures from the scene also showed the large blue bus sitting upright in the shallow river with broken railings left behind.

Speaking to the BBC, resident Kelly West said: “We ran outside, we ran around the front of the bus and spoke to the driver.”

She was told by the driver that the “brakes were not working” and the accelerator “jammed”.

He explained to her that he was “doing the best he could” to avoid oncoming traffic coming down the road.

The Bluestar double-decker was College Bus 607 for Barton Peveril students, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Multiple emergency services swooped down after the crash.

At least five ambulances were spotted on the residential road and two helicopters were scrambled to the scene, 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 19 passengers on-board at the time.

Scott Agass said that his 17-year-old son was onboard but is thankfully okay.

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 awaiting more information from police.

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College has said its staff are working closely with police.

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 the road “may be closed for up to 12 hours” as the 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.”