Nearly 20 people were hospitalized and traffic was snarled on the I-95 for hours after a collision between a tour bus and a tractor-trailer in Norwalk Wednesday, state police say.

Police have not confirmed witness reports that the bus driver died in the accident at Exit 14.

Witnesses say the bus apparently rear-ended the tractor-trailer at around 3:15 p.m. It was carrying 41 passengers believed to be tourists from Asia.

Officials say rescuers had to cut through debris to get to the bus driver.

The southbound side of the highway was shut down during the rescue operation. Some passengers were treated at the scene, and at least 18 others were taken to Norwalk Hospital or another nearby medical center. There is no official word on the extent of those injuries.

Officials say the driver of the tractor-trailer is OK.