2 killed in New Hampshire carnival tent collapse

Two people were killed and 15 injured when a circus tent collapsed at a carnival in New Hampshire, local media reported.

The collapse occurred amid severe weather warnings in the city of Lancaster in the northeastern US state, according to ABC affiliate WMUR.

New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan said a state of emergency had been declared and said officials had been dispatched to the scene.  

"The Disaster Behavioral Response Team is en route to Lancaster to provide assistance to affected individuals, first responders," she said on Twitter.

"The Governor is sending her thoughts and prayers to all those affected in Lancaster. State officials continue to provide support."

The American Red Cross said it has also sent a team to aid emergency efforts.  

"Team has arrived in Lancaster, NH to assist local authorities following circus tent collapse," the organization said on Twitter.

The National Weather Service said severe thunderstorms were expected in the area on Monday evening.

Lancaster is about 100 miles (144 kilometers) from New Hampshire state capital, Concord.