Train-bus collision death toll rises to 5: prosecutor

PARIS, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- At least five school children were killed and several others in critical situation after a regional train struck a bus on a crossing level in Millas, southern France on Thursday, Marseille prosecutor Xavier Tabareux said on Friday.

"24 people have been involved, five of whom have unfortunately died," Tabareux told reporters.

An 11-year-old child was reported dead on Friday afternoon. Four school children lost their lives shortly after the accident.

Six other victims were in serious situation, while three teenagers left the hospital earlier in the day, he added.

A regional train plowed into a school bus on Thursday and cut it on half at a rail road crossing which was not considered dangerous. The cause of the accident was still unclear.

"The configuration of the sites excludes excessive speed of the bus," Marseille prosecutor said, adding that the train was running at 75 km an hour in a zone where 100 km an hour was allowed.

Tabareux added that the drivers' toxicology tests were negative and investigation was underway to determine the accident's cause. Enditem