French media reported that at least four people were killed, including at least two children, seven were seriously injured and two suffered less serious injuries. All the victims were on board the bus and the children are believed to be between eight and 17.
The vehicle, which was traveling between Perpignan and Villefranche-de-Conflent, is believed to have entered a level crossing at Los Palaus in Millas, France, while the barriers were down before being hit from behind by the regional TER train.
According to witnesses, the bus was “cut in two” following the harrowing collision.
Local officials had set up a crisis centre near the scene after the mass casualty collision happened at about 4pm local time on Thursday, with the air ambulance in operation to get the victims as quickly as possible to the nearest hospital in Perpignan, about twenty kilometers away.
Rescuers are going through the wreckage to free victims which includes several children believed to be of secondary school age. One person on the train, named by local media as Barabara, said: “The shock was very violent and we had the impression that the train was going to derail. “Helicopters have also been mobilized to take care of the wounded.
“The passengers of the train are being evacuated by the police while the relief workers are busy with the passengers of the school bus.”
Source: News agencies
