Uttar Pradesh, Jan 19 (NIA) – At least 25 people including 18 school children were killed and 50 injured as a school bus was hit by a truck on in India’s Etah district, in Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, police said.
The bus was ferrying students to Aliganj’s JS Public School in Etah when it collided with a truck.
Thirty six among the 50 injured are stated to be critical, the Times of India quoting sources said.
The death toll is expected to rise.
Rescue teams have reached the site and a search and rescue operation is presently underway to rescue children still believe to be trapped in the wreckage.
UP DGP Javeed Ahmed told local journalists that the school was open even after the district magistrate declared three days holiday considering the prevailing cold weather.
He said strict action will be taken against the school.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the young children and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“Anguished by the tragic accident in UP’s Etah district. I share the pain of the bereaved families & condole passing away of young children,” Modi said on his official twitter account.
“I pray that those injured in the accident in Etah recover at the earliest.”
An investigation has been launched into the accident.
(Pic Courtesy NDTV)