Palamu (Jharkhand): All the 70 passengers crossing the river Koel had a miraculous escape on October 24 evening when their overcrowded boat sank mid-stream amidst pouring rains in Chainpur area of Palamu district.

Deputy Commissioner S P Sinha said the incident occurred near Chando Suga village when the villagers were going to Barawadhi market in Latehar district with their goods.

However, all of them swam to safety, he said.

The passengers forcibly occupied the boat despite the boatman's warning of over-capacity, Sinha said.

All the goods were sub-merged in the river.

PTI