Egyptian school bus packed with children broadsided by train

Cairo - Egyptian officials have reported a horrible accident where a speeding train collided with a school bus killing at least 49 people, mostly school children.

The accident reportedly took place Saturday about 300 kilometers south of Cairo near the village of Manfalut in Egypt's southern Assiut province, according to a Voice of America report. The bus, filled with more than 60 children between the ages of four and six, was hit by a train while crossing the tracks. Officials say 18 more suffered injuries in the wreck. Provincial Governor Yahya Keshk, stated that the track’s crossing gate was open when the train hit the bus and that a crossing-guard was believed to be sleeping on duty. He has been detained for questioning while an investigation ensues. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Mohamed Rashad resigned shortly after the accident was announced and President Mohamed Morsi has ordered other key ministers to offer assistance to the families of the victims.