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OKARA: At least ten people died, while over a dozen others were rescued after a boat overturned accidentally in Okara, officials said today.
According to Deputy Commissioner Okara Maryam Khan, the unlucky boat carrying about 35 people capsized in the Sutlej river near the Malhu Sheikha area of Okara.
Rescue teams are currently at the scene and have pulled out ten bodies. Seventeen people have been rescued, while the search is underway for one person.
Rescue 1122 chief Zafar Iqbal confirmed that ten bodies have been recovered. He said extra teams were called in from Okara city and other nearby areas for help.
The boat reportedly capsized because there were too many people on board and it was not made of poor-quality material.
An eye witness said that more than 35 people were travelling on the boats, adding that some people were even carrying their motorcycles with them.
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Assistant Commissioner Debalpur and DSP reached the incident spot and monitored the rescue work. On the other hand, the emergency was declared at the THQ Hospital Haveli Lakha upon the directions of DC Okara Maryam Khan.
The police maintained that the identities of the victims were not immediately known. Furthermore, the officials are investigating the matter to find out the reason behind the unfortunate incident.
The passengers of the boat were going for condolence of a relative when the boat drowned in the mid-river.
CM Punjab Usman Buzdar has taken notice and asked for a detailed report of the incident.
