Eight die in China boat capsize

September 10th, 2011 - 12:10 am ICT by IANS  

Beijing, Sep 9 (IANS) At least eight people, including six school students, were killed Friday when a ferry sank in a river in China, officials said.

The incident took place in Tangtianshi town of central Hunan province, Xinhua reported.

A total of 39 passengers, including 33 primary and middle school students and six adults, were aboard the vessel when it sank in the Fuyi river, an official said.

Eyewitnesses said overloading was probably to blame for the accident. The students were on their way home for the upcoming mid-autumn festival — a traditional Chinese holiday.

At least 14 people were rescued and sent to hospitals. Authorities were checking how many students were still missing.

The ferry owner is in police custody.

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