Cairo, Egypt (CNN) -- A train collided with a school bus Saturday morning in Egypt, killing 51 people and injuring 17, according to the health ministry.
Most of the dead were children.
The crash in the central Egyptian province of Assiut prompted some officials to go to the area to give assistance and others to resign. The city of Assiut is about 200 miles south of Cairo.
"I had not seen them in the morning before they went to school because I was at work. I have to accept God's decision," he said. "Their destiny was written before they were born. They were all studying the Quran and recited many verses to me. Maybe I will see them in heaven."
Barriers at the train crossing were not down when the train struck the bus, according to Alaa Mamoud, a spokesman for the interior ministry. Police are investigating the worker on duty.
The train dragged the bus for nearly half a mile. Children's shoes, books and school bags were strewn across the tracks. The twisted shell of the bus was left under the train.
The children killed were on their way to kindergarten and were between four and six years old. Three adults also died, according to the health ministry.
Transportation Minister Mohammed Rashad al-Metainy stepped down, as did the head of the local railroad agency.
Both were called in for questioning by the general prosecutor.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy ordered an investigation to find those responsible for the crash, and to hold them accountable. Local residents protested the president, calling on him to resign.
The government is giving the family of each person killed around $1,500 in compensation. The family of each injured victim will receive about $900, according to the prime minister's office.
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