The victims were rushed to area hospitals with multiple injuries. At least 15 people, including a 20-year-old woman, died on the spot, while three others expired at the hospital, police added..

Nine of the victims remained in critical condition, Roberto Capiel, a public health official, told Telam.

"It's a tragedy. We are giving priority to the most seriously injured," Capiel said.

People talk on their phones while inspecting the wreckage at the rail crossing where a passenger train crashed into a bus in Dolores, Buenos Aires province March 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)