4 drown, 3 missing as two boats capsize

KHAR: Four people drowned and three went missing when two boats capsized in Raghgan dam in Bajaur tribal district.

Deputy Commissioner Iftikhar Alam said that that the two boats capsized in Raghgan dam at around 6:30pm on the first day of Eidul Azha. He said that eight people were rescued.

The official said that a boat capsised in the dam and another boat while trying to rescue the people also sank. He said that the local people launched the rescue efforts on a self-help basis and later the officials of the Rescue 1122 also arrived to take part in the search operation.

Iftikhar Alam said that four people drowned while three went missing. He said that eight people were rescued.

The official said that divers from the Pakistan Army were also called in to take part in the rescue efforts. He said that rescue teams from Lower Dir and Swat also took part in the rescue operation.

All the victims belonged to the same village in Bajaur. The dead were identified as Momin, 27, Wali, 29, Tufail, 9, and Fawad aged 11. The ones, who went missing included Rahatullah, 28, Attaullah, 24 and Owias Khan aged 11.

Meanwhile, the provincial government announced Rs0.3 million compensation for each dead.

Provincial Minister for Zakat Anwar Zeb distributed the cheques among the families of the deceased.

APP adds: Rescue Services (1122) continued their search operation for the 3rd consecutive day to recover missing persons.

According to Rescue1122, 60 workers, including 25 divers and teams from Bajaur, Peshawar, Swat and Lower Dir are participating in search operation.

Director General Rescue1122 Dr Khatir Ahmed is personally monitoring the operation.