The accident happened near the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a popular tourist attraction, although no foreigners were believed to be among the dead. At least 13 people were killed today when a boat crowded with passengers sank on Thailand's Chao Phraya river after hitting a bridge, an emergency response official said. "There are 13 confirmed dead and 33 injured so far," said Udomsak Khaonoona, disaster prevention chief for the city which is 80 km north of Bangkok. Rescuers threw ropes to help people swim to land as others gave CPR to unconscious victims on the banks of the river. The Chao Phraya, the main river that flows through Bangkok, is a key commuting artery, filled with often packed boats plying the waterways at breakneck speed.

Source: dna September 18, 2016 15:33 UTC