Etah bus tragedy: Over 15 children dead as school bus collides with truck in UP

Over 15 schoolchildren were killed in a tragic road accident in Etah district's Aliganj, UttarPradesh, on Thursday, ANI reported.

Initially, UP DGP Javeed Ahmed said that 15 children were feared dead. Some children are still trapped in the wreckage of the bus.

Tragic road accident in Aliganj Etah. Over 15 school kids feared dead. Rescue of injured ongoing.

— Javeed (@javeeddgpup) January 19, 2017

The accident took place as a bus collided with a truck. Forty people were injured.

8 school children dead, 40 injured as bus collides with a truck in Etah district's Aliganj #UttarPradesh pic.twitter.com/6I6I8hULdb

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 19, 2017

Ahmed said, "The school was open against the order of district administration to close schools due to cold."

The DGP said that the priority was to rescue trapped children. Rescue operation is underway.  "Strict action will be taken against the school," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of the young children.

Anguished by the tragic accident in UP’s Etah district. I share the pain of the bereaved families & condole passing away of young children.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2017

I pray that those injured in the accident in Etah recover at the earliest.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 19, 2017