Over fifty feared dead as boat capsizes in river Krishna

Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, Jan 18 (UNI) Over 50 pilgrims were feared drowned when an over-crowded country boat capsized in river Krishna in Andhra Pradesh.

According to the police, about 75 pilgrims from the Nandikotkuru here boarded the boat to attend a jatra at Singota on the other side of the river in Mahabubnagar district. The boat, only half way through the river capsized.

Locals rescued 15 persons and rushed them to the hospital in Kallapur. Ten persons were admitted in the hospital while those with minor injuries were given first aid and discharged.

Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy who was in Delhi, cut short his visit and would be returning to Hyderabad to visit the accident spot and review relief and rescue operations.

Search was on with motor boats fitted with powerful search lights and expert swimmers searched for survivers or bodies.

Labour Minister G Vinod and Commercial Taxes Minister K Rama Krishna were supervising relief and rescue operations on either side of the river.

UNI