A ferry made a hard landing at a dock in New York City's financial district during Wednesday morning's rush hour, injuring as many as 50 people, at least one critically, officials said.

The Seastreak Wall Street ferry from New Jersey banged into the mooring as it arrived.

Police and fire officials said 30 to 50 people were injured. One was in critical condition with head injuries.

Passenger Ellen Foran said people tumbled on top of one another, hysterical and crying.

A corner of the ferry was ripped open like a tin can.

Some patients were carried out strapped to stretchers, their heads and necks immobilized. About a dozen passengers on stretchers were spread out on the dock, surrounded by emergency workers.

Ferries are a common way to commute to work on the island of Manhattan.