11 Dead, More Than 200 Injured in Argentina Train-Bus Accident

VOA Breaking News (Voice of America)
September 13, 2011 at 6:35 pm

Authorities in Argentina say a train slammed into a bus and was then struck by another train during the morning rush hour, leaving at least 11 people dead and 200 others injured.

Officials say the deadly accident occurred in Buenos Aires Tuesday as thousands of commuters were pouring into the capital's Flores station to head to work. Firefighters and other emergency personnel raced to the scene to rescue survivors, some of whom were trapped under the wreckage. The injured were rushed to area hospitals for treatment.

Investigators are looking into reports the bus driver failed to heed a train crossing signal and breached barriers meant to signal that it is dangerous to cross the tracks. Transportation Secretary Juan Pablo Schiavi says the bus driver was among those killed.

A similar accident happened more than three years ago.

In March 2008, at least 18 people were killed and about 45 others injured when a bus was hit by a train in the eastern town of Dolores.