33 dead in train-bus collision in UP

Kanshiramnagar: At least 33 members of a marriage party were killed and over 30 others were injured when a bus carrying them collided with an express train on an unmanned railway crossing in Patayali area of the district late last night.
District Magistrate Selva Kumar J told here today that 32 people have died so far in the accident. She also did not rule out the rise in death toll as several injured are in critical stage.
The railway officials have however estimated the death toll to be 33.
Over 30 people injured in the accident have been admitted to the hospital in Kanshiramnagar and Etah, she said.
The bus, carrying over 85 people, was returning from a marriage party at Arupur village and was going to Mirchai village in Etah.
The accident occurred near Adupura village at an unmanned railway crossing. The bus was rammed by Mathura-Chapra express and was dragged for about half a kilometer away from the crossing.
The incident occured at around 0150 hrs and preleminary report said the assistant of the driver of bus was on the steering wheels when the accident occured.
Railways have already ordered a probe by the Safety Commissioner in this connection. The rail track has been cleared at around 0600 hrs and train traffic have been restored in the section.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed his grief over the incident and has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of the deceased. The critical injured would be given Rs 50,000 and minor injured Rs 10,000, the PM announced, who is presently also in-charge of the railway department. Dr Singh has also asked Minister of state for Railway K H Muniyappa to reach the spot.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has also expressed his condolence on the death of 33 people in the accident and has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh to the family of the victims. The critically injured have been given Rs 50,000 while the minor injured would be given Rs 25,000.
Senior UP Minister and state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Swami Prasad Maurya has also rushed to the spot.
A railway relief train has been dispatched from Kasganj.