Seven drown in boat mishap in Khagaria

Khagaria, Aug 14 (UNI) At least seven people today drowned when a boat capsized in flood water between Lamgaon and Gangiya villages under Gangaursahayak police station area here.

Police said all the seven bodies had been fished out from the flood water.

The ill-fated boat, carrying 22 people, including two women and three children of Lamgaon, was caught in the high current near ward number 13 of Lamgaon panchayat.

Ten people managed to swim to safety and four others were rescued, while one person was missing so far. The affected were rushed to a local hospital, police added.

Meanwhile, assistance of local fishermen had been taken to trace the missing person.

The district was inundated following breach in the embankment of river Budi Gandak.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed ''deep grief'' at the mishap and condoled the deaths while announcing payment of an gratia of Rs one lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased.

UNI