In Telangana, at least 12 children were killed and several others injured when a Nanded-Secunderabad passenger train collided with a school bus near Masaipet village in Medak District this morning.

The bus driver also was killed in the incident while the condition of several other students is stated to be serious.

The incident took place at an unmanned level crossing between Masaipet and Wadiaram Railway stations on Secunderabad-Nizamabad section of South Central Railway, when the bus carrying over 30 children belonging to a private school was crossing the tracks.

The District administration has begun rescue and relief activities and the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.

Local police carrying relief measures said the toll may go up as the condition of several of the injured is critical. Eye witnesses said the train dragged the bus up to a kilometre distance after ramming into it.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao has ordered an inquiry into the incident. He asked the state Chief Secretary, Rajeev Sharma to take immediate steps to save the injured children.

State Irrigation Minister, Harish Rao has rushed to the spot to supervise relief work.

Meanwhile, South Central Railways has rushed a medical team along with medical relief van to the spot.