Train hits van in SAfrica; kills at least 9 kids

[August 25, 2010]  JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- A driver taking children to school went around a closed railroad crossing gate Wednesday, then collided with an oncoming train that killed at least nine pupils and injured five others, police and witnesses said.

Parents sobbed at the scene as grieving families stood near the completely smashed van that had been transporting at least 13 children at the time of the collision in the Blackheath area of Cape Town.

Cape Town police spokesman Col. Billy Jones said police are investigating a case of homicide against the van driver.

The van driver was seriously injured and rushed to the hospital, police said.

An initial investigation into the crash showed that all protection measures were in place at the crossing, railway officials told the South African Press Association.

"The crossing is protected by road signs, flashing lights and booms, which were confirmed to be in working order," railway officials said in a statement.

Emergency services spokesman Andri Visser said four children survived the collision and were taken to a hospital.

South African road fatality rates are among the highest in the world.

[Associated Press; By ERIC NAKI]

Associated Press writer Mia Snyman contributed to this report.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.