(rptg, correcting name in para two, line one)

New Delhi, Aug 2 (UNI) The Lok Sabha today expressed condolence over the death of six schoolchildren in a road accident near Sonepat yesterday.

The issue was raised in the House by Mr Deepinder Singh Hooda (Congress), son of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, during zero hour, expressing sorrow over the incident.

The member, who was making his maiden remarks in the House, however, said he could ''hold his head high'' over the fact that the local residents and people from other states present near the site spontaneously rescued the children from the bus, risking their own lives, and saved as many as 23 students.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said he, on behalf of the entire House, was associating himself with the sentiments expressed by Mr Hooda.

UNI SN PK RAI1400