Eight children die as train hits school bus

Police said a train hit a school bus at an open railway crossing in Pakistan’s east, killing eight children and the bus driver.

Police official Mohammed Farooq said 12 children were also injured in today’s collision near the Punjab province town of Mian Channu. Some of the injured were in serious condition.

There were no known casualties on the passenger train.

Such accidents are common in Pakistan, which has an antiquated railway system.

Railway crossings often are poorly maintained, and are sometimes unmanned or lack gates in various parts of the country.