SADIQABAD:At least 19 women drowned when a boat capsized in Indus River near Machka area near Sadiqabad on Monday.

According to the police, the boat carrying about 70 members of a marriage party sank in Indus River near Machka area near Sadiqabad. They were going to Machka from Kharor. There was hue and cry soon after the accident. The victims cried for help.

Local people and rescue teams however rescued 35 people. The bodies of 12 drowned women were recovered while search for other people was underway. Huge contingents of police also rushed to the scene.

The bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital. Police said that they had started investigation into the incident and those responsible boat owner would be taken to task. The area people said that the boat had not capacity to carry 70 people. They said that authorities should regularize boat owners and keep checks on their condition. They said that it was horrific incident.