Lucknow, March 14
Atleast 23 youths were killed and three others injured when the septic tank on which they were standing during an Army recruitment rally in the cantonment area here collapsed today, the police said.

District Magistrate Jeevash Nandan said the youths in the age group 18-21 died when the tank gave way.

Three others, who received injuries, were admitted to the Command Hospital, he said. The incident occurred around 5.10 am.

However, an Army spokesman said 18 youths were killed and three injured in the incident. All 18 bodies had been brought to the Command Hospital.

A recruitment process was underway when the incident took place, Senior Superintendent of Police B.B. Bakshi said.