Lucknow, Dec 24 (IANS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a road accident in Mahoba district and directed the administration to provide ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased.

Two students were killed and two seriously injured when a speeding truck ran over them in Mahoba district on Thursday morning.

Ravindra Tiwari, in-charge of Mahoba's Kulpahar police station, said that the children were on their way to a coaching centre near Sugira village in the district when they were hit by a speeding truck from behind. Two students died on the spot. The injured are being treated at a hospital. A manhunt has been launched to nab the driver who fled from the spot.

The Chief Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families while praying for the peace of the departed souls. He also instructed the officials to ensure proper treatment of the injured.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya tweeted that it was very sad to learn about such a heart-wrenching incident.

"Pray to God to give courage and strength to the family of the students who suffered it."

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has also expressed sorrow over the incident.