Egyptian resignations after 50 children die in horror crash

The worker manning the train crossing - which had been left open - was asleep when the bus tried to cross the railroad tracks.

ASSIUT, Egypt // The President, Sheikh Khalifa, yesterday sent "heartfelt condolences" to Egyptian president, Mohammed Morsi, following the deaths of 50 nursery school children who were killed when a speeding train smashed into their bus at a level crossing.

The tragedy, in Manfalut, 360 kilometres south of Cairo, prompted protests and resignations.

Transport minister, Rashad Al Metini, stepped down saying he "accepts responsibility".

The bus, in which the driver and his assistant were also killed, was taking 60 children aged between four and six on a trip organised by their nursery.

The worker manning the level crossing - which had been left open - was asleep when the bus tried to cross the tracks, Assiut provincial governor Yehya Keshk told state television, adding: "He has been arrested, of course."

Books, school bags and children's socks could be seen on the railway tracks near the mangled bus.