The death toll in an overcrowded boat capsize increased to 92, including 12 children after it sank in Iraq’s Tigris river on Thursday, authorities confirmed on Friday.
Health ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr told that there were at least 150 people on board, including over 80 women and children.
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He further added that a number of bodies were recovered while search operations are still underway.
Habu said, “The Department of Water Resources warned a few days ago that the level of water will rise as a result of the opening of dams.”
The ferry was loaded with over twice the permitted capacity, Civil Defense General Manager Brigadier Malik Bohan told state-owned Al Iraqiya, sources reported.
As search operations are still underway, rescuers are recovering bodies of the victims who drowned in the river.
An investigation was immediately launched after the incident was reported.
(With ANI inputs)
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