Briefly

NICARAGUA

19 killed, 40 injured in bus accident

At least 10 children were among 19 fatalities on Saturday when an overcrowded bus overturned on a bridge in a town north of Nicaragua's capital Managua, a government website said. The 10 children who died in the crash were between the ages of four and 16, said health ministry officials. Some 40 passengers were injured in the accident, it added. Vice-President Rosario Murillo, wife of President Daniel Ortega, said on state-run Channel 4 that around 70 people were crowded on the bus at the time. She said the accident occurred in Rancho Grande, apparently when the bus driver lost control on a bridge and the vehicle overturned.

FRANCE

Indian travelers stuck in airport amid probe

About 300 Indian citizens heading to Central America were sequestered in a French airport for the third day on Saturday after a dramatic police operation prompted by a tip that those aboard might be victims of human trafficking, authorities said. Those aboard included children and families. The youngest passenger is a toddler of 21 months, and among the children are several unaccompanied minors, according to the local civil protection agency. Two of the passengers have been detained as part of a special investigation into suspected human trafficking by an organized criminal group.

UKRAINE

Polish truckers end blockade of border point

Polish truckers on Sunday ended their blockade of a border checkpoint with Ukraine, Ukrainian authorities said, days after the countries discussed resolving a row that has soured ties. Polish haulers have blocked crossing points since early November to protest what they say is unfair competition from Ukrainian truckers. The Ukrainian border guard on Sunday said on Telegram that the protest at the Medyka-Shehyni checkpoint ended at 9:30 am, with the registration and crossing of trucks resuming "as usual".

Agencies via Xinhua