NEW YORK — Authorities say a van struck at least five children on a sidewalk in New York City's Chinatown neighborhood, killing two of them.

Police say they were among a group of 14 children standing or walking in front of a bank shortly before noon today. A white van could be seen on the sidewalk.

Authorities say one child is serious but stable condition. Another two or three children appear to have minor injuries. They all have been taken to New York Downtown Hospital.

There are conflicting reports about how the accident occurred.

According to one account from police, the driver got out and left the engine running, then the van moved.

Police later said they believed the van was backing up at the time the children were struck.