Yamunanagar (Haryana), April 28 (IANS) At least 12 college students were killed and nearly 30 injured when their bus collided head-on with a truck near this town, police said Thursday. Fifteen of the students are in a serious condition.

The students were from the Sri Ram Institute in Yamunanagar, about 110 km from state capital Chandigarh. The accident took place near Manakpur village in Chachrauli sub-division of Yamunanagar district. The bus overturned following the collision.

Officials said the death toll could rise.

Eyewitnesses said eight students, who were travelling in the bus owned by a school, died on the spot.

Police said 15 of the 30 students injured were in a serious condition and were admitted to the district hospital in Yamunanagar. Three of the seriously injured students have been referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.

"Eight bodies are taken to the civil hospital here while four have been taken to another hospital... Right now we are busy in ascertaining the identities of the deceased," investigating officer Rajinder Kumar told IANS.

"Death toll can also go up. It is very difficult to say anything at this moment. We have registered a case and have started our investigations."

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has cancelled his engagements and rushed to Yamunanagar, a spokesperson said.