Ten people have been confirmed dead following a collision between a train and a bus carrying prisoners in Texas.

The vehicle is believed to have lost control on an icy stretch of road before sliding down an embankment and hitting the train.

Sheriff Mark Donaldson said the bus has been carrying 12 prisoners from one prison to another.

The incident happened on route from Abilene to El Paso, he added.

A Union Pacific spokesman added there were no injuries on the train.