A train crashed into a school van at an un-gated railroad crossing in northern India, killing 12 children.

Police say the van driver, who ignored a guard's signal to stop,  was also killed.

Another 12 children were injured in the crash and taken to a hospital in Kushinagar.

Top Police Officer OP Singh said five of them were in critical condition, adding that the children, all between 5 and 14 years of age, were on their way to school after the van had picked them up from several villages.

A railroad guard posted at the ungated crossing signalled for the van to stop but the driver ignored the signal and crashed into the train.

Source: Stuff.co