Death toll in boat tragedy in eastern India rises to 23

The death toll in Saturday's boat tragedy in the eastern Indian state of Bihar has risen to 23, with more bodies being fished out of the Ganga river.


"Some 23 people, including women and children, are now confirmed dead while another 10 are still missing in the boat mishap," said a senior police official.

"At least 10 people have been rescued and the injured have been admitted to a local hospital," he added.

The boat capsized at around 6 p.m. local time (1230 GMT) Saturday when the overcrowded boat carrying more than 40 people was unable to bear the load.

The passengers included those who were returning from a kite flying festival that was organized on an island in the middle of the river as part of Makar Sankranti, a festival celebrating the end of winter solstice.
 [Xinhua/China]
15/1/17