2 children killed as car rams into preschoolers in western Japan

TOKYO - Two children died after a vehicle rammed into more than 10 preschoolers from a daycare center in western Japan, local media reported Wednesday.

According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK, the motorist hit a group of 13 children aged between two and three years old.

They were struck by the driver as they were waiting for the traffic lights to change at intersection in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, local media reported.

Rescue officials said that 15 people have been injured including 13 kindergartners and at least two of their caregivers.

First responders were treating victims at the scene, local media said, while others were rushed to hospital.

Local police at the scene said that they are looking into reports that the motorist plowed into the children and caregivers after being struck by another vehicle at the intersection.

The two drivers, both female, aged 52 and 62, were arrested by the police on the spot.