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At Least 24 Children Killed When Bus, Truck Collide in India

by Associated Press

   LUCKNOW, INDIA --

   A truck loaded with sand collided with a school bus early Thursday,
   killing at least 24 young children in the northern Indian state of
   Uttar Pradesh, police said.
   At least two dozen other children were injured when the speeding truck
   collided head-on with the bus, said Javeed Ahmed, the state's top
   police official.
   The children, between the ages of 3 and 12, were studying at a school
   in the town of Etah.
   Another police officer, Daljeet Chaudhry, said visibility was low due
   to dense fog.

   Police officer Parasuram Singh said the truck driver suffered serious
   injuries to his legs, which were amputated at a hospital.
   The area is about 270 kilometers (170 miles) southeast of New Delhi.
   State education authorities had closed all schools in the district
   because of a severe cold wave, and Ahmed said authorities would check
   why the school had stayed open.
   Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his condolences, saying:
   "Anguished by the tragic accident in UP's Etah district. I share the
   pain of the bereaved families & condole passing away of young
   children."

   Accidents are common on Indian roads, with most blamed on reckless
   driving, poorly maintained roads and aging vehicles.