UPDATE - 5 dead, 24 wounded as train rams into bus in Serbia

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL, ADDS REMARKS BY HEALTH MINISTER

By Zlatan Kapic and Sanela Crnovrsanin

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - At least 5 people died, 24 others wounded when a passenger train collided with a bus carrying students in southern Serbia on Friday.

The accident took place at 7.30 a.m. (0630GMT) near Nis city at a level crossing with no warning traffic signs.

Among the dead was a child, director of Nis Hospital Zoran Radovanovic told Serbian state television RTS (Radio and Television of Serbia).

Visiting the hospital, Serbian Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar said that 13 of the wounded are being treated in intensive care unit.

Among the injured, two children have a risk of death, Loncar added.

"Both children are aged 16. The girl sustained serious injuries to her central nervous system. She underwent an operation, but is still in coma. The boy, the other injured, suffers from severe fractures in his spine,” the minister explained.

The rest of the wounded are in a stable condition, he added.

Police, fire fighters and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene following the accident, according to the Serbian Interior Ministry.

The rail services were suspended on the route.