5 dead, 5 missing in boat capsizal in India

At least five children were killed and five others went missing Sunday after a boat carrying 13 children capsized in eastern Indian state of Bihar, officials said.

The boat capsized in the shallow waters near Kumhar Sang village in Begusarai district, about 121 km east of Patna city, the capital of Bihar.

"Five minors were today drowned when a boat carrying 13 children capsized in the Sigraila chaur in Kumhar Sang village here," a police official posted in the district said. "Three children swam to safety and so far five bodies have been fished out."

India's official broadcaster, All India Radio (AIR), said the authorities have pressed divers into service to find out the missing five children.

According to the state broadcaster, 13 village children had gone for boating as part of recreation in the water body when the mishap occurred.

Last week two people were killed and five went missing after an overloaded boat carrying around 40 people capsized in a river in Odisha state. Endit