Egyptian officials say a train has collided with a school bus, killing some 40 young children.

Officials say the accident occurred Saturday about 300 kilometers south of Cairo near the village of Manfalut in Egypt's southern Assiut province.

The bus was filled with about 50 children between the ages of four and six when it was hit by a train while crossing the tracks. Many of the survivors are said to be seriously hurt.

President Mohamed Morsi has ordered key ministers to offer assistance to the families of the victims.

Egypt's railway system has a poor safety record.