11 school children feared drown in K'taka

Mangalore, Aug 14 (UNI) More than 11 school children feared drowned when a mini-bus in which they were travelling plunged into Phalguni river at Ullaibettu near here today.

According to police, 30 children of Bhalmi school at Kaikamba, about 15 km were going to school when the accident occurred. With the help of swimmers, police rescued 15 children and admitted them to Wenlock Hospital.

So far seven bodies were recovered and rescue operations were on.

Talking to newspersons at Bangalore, DG and IGP Sreekumar said the ill-fated bus had been removed and rescue operation was in full swing.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, expressing his grief over the death of children, announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 each to the families of the victims.

MORE MA/MSP ROY SW ND1244