As many as 50 people were injured, including at least one critically, after a commuter ferry crashed into Pier 11 just south of Wall Street during rush hour this morning.

Reports say the SeaStreak ferry was carrying some 300 passengers when it slammed into the South Street pier around 8:45 AM.

"There was a jolt when that occurred, throwing the people forward into their seats and the walls," SeaStreak President James Barker told NBC New York.

The ferry apparently struck a loading barge as it was attempting to dock. The AP reports that "A corner of the ferry is ripped open like a tin can."

Most of the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening, but at least one passenger is said to have sustained a severe head injury and is in critical condition.

[photo via AP]