19 killed in train-bus accident in Argentina (UPDATED)

The train was traveling from the Argentine capital to the South Atlantic beach resort of Mar del Plata when the collision occurred near Dolores, about 125 miles (200 kilometers) south of Buenos Aires, the government news agency Telam said. Police said 19 people died. Roberto Capiel, a public health official, told Telam that 47 people with injuries were taken to a local hospital for treatment. He said nine of the victims remained in critical condition.Â

Television footage showed wreckage of the overturned bus with its front windshield shattered and much of its roof sheered off. Crumpled bus seats, childrens clothing, a baby bottle and beach chairs were left scattered across the railway line after the wreck, which took place at about 2 a.m. local time. Bus passenger Cecilia Demarco told Noticias Argentinas that the bus "tried to beat the train" to the crossing, despite repeated warnings from the train as it sounded a horn. The account could not immediately be confirmed.

Police said the bus, which was bound from the South Atlantic beach resort of Mar de Ajo to the capital, was carrying 61 passengers and two drivers. Authorities said there were at least 30 serious injuries reported on the bus, and at least 15 train passengers and the two train drivers received minor injuries.

Buenos Aires provincial Gov. Daniel Scioli visited the crash site and said he was saddened by the "horrendous accident." "Its just devastating, so tremendously sad. And to think there were families going on vacations is a disgrace," Scioli said.

Authorities said the trains drivers told investigators that the crossing barriers were down when the bus unexpectedly tried to cross the tracks ahead of the train. As Scioli watched bulldozers prepare to push away twist rail ties and other debris, he promised an exhaustive investigation.