1 killed, dozens missing in Bangladesh boat accident

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - One child was killed and dozens of others are missing Saturday as two bridal boats capsized in Bangladesh, according to reports.

At least 34 people are missing in the accident on the way to Gangerhat village in Poba Upazila of Rajshahi district on the north bank of the Padma River, according to the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

The boats were carrying a bridal party of 40 people and capsized around 7 p.m. local time Friday. Six people, including one child, managed to reached the banks of the river, but the child was declared dead by doctors after victims were rushed to the hospital.

The groom managed to escape but the bride is missing.

A Rajshahi Fire Service and civil defense official told Anadolu Agency divers are conducting a rescue operation.

The official said authorities are yet to confirm the number missing as residents, including those rescued, could not confirm the number of passengers on the boats.

Media reports put the number missing at 34 but authorities suspect, after talking to residents, that about 30 people are missing, the official said.

The possibility of rescuing those missing is low, however, being 12 hours after the accident of boat capsized, the official said.