Train 'pushed bus for half a mile': Witness to Egypt crash that killed 47 children
At least 47 children were killed today when their school bus was hit by a train on a level crossing in southern Egypt.
The crash happened as the bus, carrying around 50 children aged between four and six years old, crossed tracks near a village in Manfaloot district in the southern province of Assiut.
A security official said others are still missing. Distraught families rushed to the scene to search for the remains of their loved ones along the tracks.
It appeared that the rail crossing was not closed as the train sped toward it.
Egypt’s railway system has a poor safety record, mostly blamed on badly maintained equipment and poor management.
Books, school bags and socks were strewn along the tracks near the mangled bus. Parents of the missing wailed as they looked for signs of their children.
One witness said the train pushed the bus along the tracks for nearly half a mile.
Hospital officials said between seven and 11 wounded were being treated in two different facilities, many with severed limbs.
The state news agency MENA reported that Transport Minister Mohammed el-Meteeni offered his resignation to President Mohammed Morsi. The agency said Morsi ordered an investigation into the accident and said that those responsible would be held accountable.
