Rock band Oasis has postponed a further two dates on its US tour following a head-on car crash in which Noel Gallagher and another band member were injured.

A follow-up medical examination on Wednesday revealed Gallagher's injuries were more serious than was first thought, and that he was suffering from heavy facial bruising, whiplash and shock.

A doctor at the Indiana University School of Medicine prescribed further painkilling drugs, and ordered complete rest for the next three days.

The band had initially postponed Wednesday's Indiana concert, but it has now dropped its gigs in Philadelphia on Friday and Boston on Saturday.

Liam Gallagher was not in the taxi

The British group expects to be back on stage by Sunday when it is booked to play at a New York City club.

A decision about rescheduling the three concerts will be made early next week.

The crash, which took place on Tuesday after the band's taxi was hit by another vehicle in Indianapolis, Indiana, resulted in Gallagher and guitarist Andy Bell being taken to hospital by ambulance.

They were treated for shock, cuts and bruises.

Ex-Ride guitarist Andy Bell joined Oasis in 1999

The band's lead singer, Liam Gallagher, later told the BBC on Wednesday: "I spoke to him (Noel) on the phone and he's just bruised up and stuff, you know what I mean, shaken.

"He said it was a car crash. He turned back, looked up and it all happened."

Gallagher was sitting in the front of the taxi and suffered "heavy facial bruising" and seat-belt cuts, the band's official website said.

Keyboardist Jay Darlington, former member of UK band Kula Shaker who was recruited by Oasis for the tour, was also hurt.

Setbacks

Lead singer Liam Gallagher, younger brother of Noel, guitarist Gem Archer and drummer Alan White were not involved.

The US tour has already faced early setbacks after Noel lost his passport and his brother, singer Liam, was forced to retire from the first show because of voice problems.

Their latest album, Heathen Chemistry, is currently at number four in the UK album chart, while it is sliding down the US chart and is currently at number 169 after five weeks on release.