13 drown as boat hits Chenab bridge pillar

JHANG: At least 13 people drowned on Saturday when a boat overturned after being hit by the pillar of a bridge over Chenab near Bhawana. However, five people were rescued and operation was in progress for the remaining.

As per Punjab Emergency Department spokesman, rescue teams rushed to village Kalari near Bhowana and rescued five men from drowning. Body of Amina Bashir (18) was recovered and efforts for the remaining seven persons including two women were under way.

As per the initial report, the boat was transporting villagers to the other side of the river but during crossing under the bridge and darkness, it hit a pillar and overturned.