At least 20 workers killed as train hits truck on crossing

A train collided with a truck packed with farm workers at a South Africa railway crossing near Cape Town this morning, killing at least 20 people and injuring eight, paramedics said.

The workers were on the back of the truck, said Netcare 911 spokesman Chris Botha, according to the South African Press Association. He said three people were in a critical condition, while another three were described as being in serious condition.

Another two people suffered minor injuries, he said.

It was not immediately known if the train driver was among the injured.

The truck was crossing the tracks when the accident happened shortly before 8am near Somerset West, just outside Cape Town.