Egypt’s transport minister Mohamed Rashad al-Matini has resigned following a crash between a school bus and train that has killed 50 children in Central Egypt. The driver of the bus was also killed.

The head of the state-owned railway authority has handed in his resignation as well.

The crash happened on 17 November near Manfalut, 350 kilometres south of Cairo as the bus drove across the tracks of a rail crossing.

According to a provincial governor, the man in charge of the crossing was asleep and he has now been arrested. An investigation into the crash has also been ordered.

The crash will only further damage Egypt’s already poor reputation for safety on its roads and railways.

It is estimated that 8,000 people are killed in car accidents in Egypt every year.