Three children killed in Egypt after father throws them onto oncoming train

The man, identified as Mohammed Ali, immediately killed his children in the incident that took place in the village of Al-Maasara in Egypt's Minya governorate on Friday.

Local authorities who attended the aftermath of the crime found eight-year-old, six-year-old and four-year-old dead at the scene.

"Prelimarny investigations revealed that the accused suffers from a mental illness," local media Al-Masry Al-Youm reported, noting he had been referred to the public prosecution pending further investigation.

It was the second shocking crime to hit Egypt this month, with Egyptian media reporting that a man killed five members of his own family after setting them alight over a dispute on expenses just last week.

The man, identified as Hossam, was arrested and is awaiting legal proceedings after setting fire to his apartment, where his 70-year-old mother, wife (41) and four daughters (17, ten, six and three) were.

The 17-year-old was the sole survivor of the fire and has been transported to hospital where she is being treated for her injuries.

The incident in Asyut was triggered by an argument over expenses, local media reported, though no further details were provided.

Civil defence forces swiftly moved to contain the fire after a number of reports from neighbours. The first floor of the home was completely destroyed, authorities said.

Also this month, a mother and father returned from a quick errand in Saudi Arabia to find their five children dead, local media reported.

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