Three women tourists from China were killed and 11 others seriously injured when the bus they were travelling in, collided with a tanker lorry and another bus at the southbound 94km North-South Expressway near Yong Peng-Ayer Hitam in Batu Pahat Wednesday.

Batu Pahat police chief ACP Din Ahmad said the crash occurred about 5.30pm.

"Initial investigations revealed the accident occurred when the Yong Peng-bound lorry from Johor Baru skidded into the opposite lane, following a tyre puncture.

"The lorry collided with the bus ferrying the three women victims before it collided with another bus," he said when contacted.

Din said the three women were killed at the scene while the other 11 passengers were seriously injured.

The bodies were sent to the Sultanah Nora Ismail Hospital. The injured have been warded at the hospital.

He said the identities of the two bus drivers and the passengers were being verified.