Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief and extended his condolences over the loss of lives due to a collision between a bus and a tanker on the Barmer-Jodhpur national highway in Rajasthan.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister Office posted, "It is saddening that people have lost their lives due to a bus-tanker collision at the Barmer-Jodhpur Highway in Rajasthan. In this hour of grief, my condolences to the bereaved families. I pray that the injured have a quick recovery: PM @narendramodi."

The Prime Minister has also announced an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next kin of the victims.

An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the accident and Rs 50,000 each for the injured, the PMO said in another tweet.

"An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the accident at the Barmer-Jodhpur Highway in Rajasthan. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each: PM @narendramodi", the PMO tweeted.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said in a tweet that District Collector, Barmer has been directed to conduct prompt relief and rescue operations, while assuring best treatment to the injured.

"In connection with the bus-truck accident in Barmer, after talking to the District Collector, Barmer on the phone, he has been directed regarding relief and rescue operations. Best treatment will be ensured to the injured," the CM tweeted in Hindi.

At least 11 people were burnt to death while 22 others were injured in the tragic incident on Wednesday morning, according to reports.

As per the reports, the Jodhpur bound bus from Balotra with about 25 passengers onboard collided with the tanker coming from the wrong side. The bus was engulfed in flames following the collision.