At least five persons died and several others injured when a bus caught fire after it came into contact with a high-tension power line in the Mardah area of Ghazipur district in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, police sources said here.

Taking cognizance of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the local officials to rush to the hospital and ensure free treatment of the injured.

He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of those killed in the mishap and financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured.

The Chief Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Police sources told UNI that the incident took place when a marriage party from Khiriya Kajha village in Mau district were on the way to Mardah.

"Near Mahahar Dham the bus came into contact with a high-tension wire and caught fire. Around 50 people were traveling in the bus at the time of the incident," they said.

District Magistrate Aryaka Akhoury confirmed the death of five persons in the incident.

Police sources said the injured have been admitted to different hospitals.

(With UNI Inputs)