Death toll in Rapti River boat mishap reaches 13

The death toll in Wednesday’s boat mishap in the Rapti River in Banke district has reached 13 while at least 18 people are still missing.

Officials at the Banke district administration said that police have recovered the bodies of 13 people mostly that of women and children.

Among the dead, the identities of only two have been confirmed yet – 17-year-old girl Hira Thapa and the daughter of Suresh Basnet of Baijapur. Mother of the deceased girl is also missing.

Twelve persons had swum to safety while locals rescued two girls after the boat capsized. Two among them have been admitted to Bheri Zonal Hospital for treatment.

The boat carrying some 40 passengers sank near Gobarpur area in Baijapur VDC, some 55 kilometers north-east of Nepalgunj owing to overload and flooding in the river. The boat was built to carry a maximum of 12 persons. nepalnews.com ag Sep 06 07

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