Commuter train derails; 18 killed

DURBAN, South Africa -- A commuter train collided with a freight train in South Africa on Tuesday, killing 18 people and injuring about 100 others, including several children traveling home from school.

Six cars of commuter train's cars derailed when it crashed into the back of the freight train near the port city of Durban. Two of the dead were children, a Metrorail official said. Authorities said eight people were critically injured and 59 others were in serious condition.

Hospital officials said many children were injured, most of had not suffered serious injuries.

Many passengers were rescued after being trapped in the mangled wreckage. Train seats, clothing and other personal belongings were strewn across a wide area.

The cause of the crash was not known, the South African Press Association reported.