French school bus driver arrested over fatal collision with train

PARIS, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The driver of a school bus, which collided with a regional train and left six dead school children earlier this week, was placed into custody, Marseille prosecutor Xavier Tarabeux said Tuesday.

The 46-year-old woman, who was among the scores wounded in the accident southern France, was placed into custody after being "heard succinctly," the prosecutor told reporters.

The driver, whose toxicology tests were negative, told investigators that the barrier was open when she drew out into the crossing level last Thursday.

A regional train plowed into a school bus, with 23 students on board, and cut it in half at a rail road crossing.

Six children died and many others were severely injured.

"Indications are the barrier was closed. However, the elements at this stage do not determine the exact causes of this accident," the prosecutor said. Enditem