Mexican freight train smashes into bus, 21 dead

CUAUTITLAN, Mexico, Dec 28 (Reuters) A freight train today smashed into a bus as it crossed a railroad track outside Mexico City, killing at least 21 people and injuring nine, authorities said.

The bus carrying around 30 people collided with the 36-car train as it headed north on a highway in the industrial town of Cuautitlan.

''There are 21 dead and nine injured,'' said Arturo Vilchis, emergency services director for the state of Mexico.

The train crumpled up the bus and shoved it some 100 metres along the track, a Reuters photographer at the scene said.

The bus driver, who apparently misjudged the speed of the train, was detained by police after he tried to flee the scene with only minor injuries, emergency workers said.

Emergency worker Juan Carlos Herrera said the casualties were all Mexican.

Reuters SBA VP0148