Several school kids killed in bus accident in northeast India

NEW DELHI, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Around 10 persons, including eight school children, died when the bus they were travelling in met with an accident in India's northeastern state of Manipur on Wednesday, confirmed a local senior cop.

The dead toll is feared to rise in the accident reported from Noney district of Manipur, according to media reports.

Many others were injured in the mishap. They have been admitted to a local government-owned hospital.

The ill-fated bus was carrying the school students for a study tour when the mishap occurred along the Bisnupur-Khoupum road, said a media report.

Several teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have rushed to the accident site for relief and rescue operations. Besides, medical teams and a number of state lawmakers have also been deputed to the accident site for coordinating in relief operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed anguish at the loss of lives. He tweeted, "Anguished by the loss of lives in Manipur's Noney district due to a tragic bus accident. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover soon. The Manipur government is providing all possible assistance to those affected."

State Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear about the accident of a bus carrying school children at the Old Cachar Road today."