Etah, Jan 19: At least 15 school children were killed on Thursday in a road accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district, police said. The bus of J S Vidyaniketan was taking the students to school when it met with the accident, police said.

The victims were in the age group of 10-15 years. Total 30 people have died in the mishap. Injured students have been rushed to hospitals. A rescue operation in underway. Also Read - War on 'Love Jihad'? Yogi Govt Likely to Bring Ordinance To Restrict Religious Conversion in UP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of children in the mishap. “Anguished by the tragic accident in UP’s Etah district. I share the pain of the bereaved families & condole passing away of young children,” he said in a tweet. “I pray that those injured in the accident in Etah recover at the earliest,” he said. Also Read - School Reopening News: This BJP-ruled State Refuses to Resume Classes From Sept 21 | Here's Why

The school bus was hit by a speeding truck on the Patiali road. Fog was the main cause of the accident, an official told IANS. “School was open against the order of district admin to close schools due to cold. More than two dozen children have died,” said Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Javeed Ahmad. “Our priority is to rescue trapped children. A rescue operation is underway. Strict action will be taken against the school,” the top cop said. Also Read - Uttar Pradesh Governor Approves Renaming of Manduadih Railway Station to Banaras

Tragic road accident in Aliganj Etah. Over 15 school kids feared dead. Rescue of injured ongoing. — Javeed (@javeeddgpup) January 19, 2017

Police has reached at the accident spot and carrying out a rescue operation. More details are awaited.