13 killed when boat capsized in Kapilvastu

At least 13 people were killed and dozens others were reported missing when a boat carrying nearly 100 persons capsized at Banganga river in the western terai district of Kapilvastu Thursday afternoon.

According to latest reports, rescue teams have postponed their mission until Friday morning due to darkness. Earlier, they had recovered 13 bodies who drowned in the river when the boat capsized.

Some two dozen people were able to swim across the swollen river to safety but at least 60 people are still reported as missing.

The incident took place at Banganga river, some 20 km upstream the Nepal-India boarder. Local administration said Indian authorities have also been alerted after the accident.

Preliminary reports from Kapilvastu said three separate boats capsized in the swollen river. Police later confirmed that all the passengers were traveling in the same boat.

nepalnews.com by July 14 05