18 killed in collision between two buses in Gorakhpur
Police said the accident took place this afternoon when a Sonauli-bound state roadways bus collided with a private bus near the approach road of Maniram Bridge, about 20 kms from the city.
SSP, Gorakhpur, Ashutosh Kumar said 18 persons --13 men, 3 women and two children-- died in the accident
Earlier, police sources had put the death toll at 20.
Divisional Commissioner Ravindra Naik has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Expressing grief at the loss of lives, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh to the kin of each of the deceased and Rs 25,000 to the seriously injured while Rs 10 thousand would be given to those with minor injuries.
Besides, he also directed the Transport department to pay Rs 50,000 to the kin of the deceased and Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 to those with serious and minor injuries.