At least 36 killed after Indian boat sinks in whirlpool

At least 36 killed after Indian boat sinks in whirlpool

2010-10-11 18:57:55 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW DELHI, INDIA (BNO NEWS) -- Thirty-six people drowned and at least 25 people are still missing after an overcrowded boat sank in the Ganga river in the northwestern region of India on Sunday evening, local authorities said on Monday.

The boat was heading from Balia in Uttar Pradesh to Dalapur in Bihar and was carrying around 80 passengers - mostly farm laborers and their children - when it got caught in a whirlpool, capsizing - or tipping over - near the Brahmpur police station in the Buxar district.

Nineteen people were able to swim to safety, but the Director General of the police of Neelmani confirmed that the bodies of 25 women and children and 11 men where found, and that at least 25 people are still missing. Twelve people have been admitted to Sadar Hospital in Buxar.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar ordered a magisterial investigation into the incident, while directing an increased rescue effort by authorities of the state disaster management. The National Disaster Response Force with the help of local divers have been searching for missing bodies.

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