8 drowned, 15 missing as boat sinks in Bihar

Purnia , Jul 23 (UNI) At least eight people drowned and 15 others were feared to have met the similar fate when a boat, ferrying about 40 people, capsized midstream in the river Kosi near Kathghat of the district today.

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

Seventeen people, 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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