23 feared drowned in Bihar boat tragedy

Purnia, Jul 23 (UNI) At least 23 people were feared drowned when a country boat, ferrying 40 people, capsized midstream in the swollen Kosi river near Kathghat, about 29 km from here today.

District Magistrate Shridhar C informed that eight bodies, including those of two women, had so far been fished out, while 15 others were still missing.

Seventeen others, however, swam to safety, he informed.

The DM said a number of divers had been pressed into service to trace the missing people.

Meanwhile, Dhandoah Sub-Divisional Officer Radharaman Jha said the accident occurred near Mohanpura outpost under Rupauli police station area this morning, as the boat was overcrowded.

Senior officers of the district administration, including the District Magistrate, were camping at the spot to monitor the rescue operation.

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