India: At least 40 children perish in Indian bus tragedy

At the time of writing at least 40 school children have been reported killed after their bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a canal in western India. The accident occurred in Vadodara, 90km southwest of Ahmedabad, Gujarat's main city.

It is believed that 20 children were still missing, said RK Patel, a senior police officer in Gujarat state.

"The death toll could go up," he said.

The children were on their way to school.

In related news 18 children were burned to death in Uganda and six schoolchildren in New Zealand were swept away in a raging river.

Every bloody day I write about masters of war, the slayers of the innocent. I write about corrupt politicians and those who harm and exploit women and children.

Yet it is the innocent who die, those going to school, those in school or taking part in organised school programs.

Always the innocent - never the bastards.

The devil looks after his own - isn't it time you did the same God?

Mike Hitchen, Mike Hitchen Consulting

Publisher of i On Global Trends and Sydney Irresistible