Drowning In Sorrow: 9 killed, two rescued from river

MULTAN:

Nine people died after 11 people nearly drowned in the Indus River near Layyah on Friday. According to rescue officials, nine women of the same family died but two people were recovered and are now in the hospital.

The incident occurred when a family had gathered near the river for a picnic after a marriage ceremony on Thursday. Some people began to swim in the river and later drowned.

Residents of Mocha Waala, rushed to help the family but nine women had already drowned. Residents of the area and local fishermen recovered the bodies and rescued two people. Four bodies were recovered on Thursday night and the remaining five were found on Friday morning. The victims were aged between 15 and 25 years and drowned trying to rescue each other. Hospital officials said that 2 people brought in were in critical condition.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2011.