Egyptian officials say a speeding train has collided with a school bus, killing at least 49 people. Almost all of them were 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 more than 60 children between the ages of four and six when it was hit by a train while crossing the tracks. Officials say that along with the 49 deaths, another 18 people were injured.

The provincial governor says the railway crossing gate was open when the train hit the bus, and that the crossing worker was asleep at the time. He has been detained.

Transport Minister Mohamed Rashad resigned shortly after the accident was announced.

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

Egypt's railway system has a poor safety record.