Atleast 45 people were feared drown and one declared dead in a boat mishap in the wavering waters of Gandak river in Biharon Friday.

According to the police the boat overturned while it was in the middle of the river, en route from Ranha village to Bhagwanpur. Most of the people feared dead were daily wage earners, who were crossing the river to other riverside areas.

The Gandak river runs in Bihar’s West Champaran district. The senior district officials were helped by the local drivers in  the rescue operation.

In all over 100 people were on the boat when it sank, according to Nishant Tiwary, the superintendent of police. About sixty of then swam their way to safety to the banks of the river.

The Bihar Government has ordered an investigation into the accident and has declared one lakh rupees as compensation for the families of each of the victims.

[Source: PTI]