7 children drown as van falls in canal, 3 bodies traced; search operations to resume Friday morning

Bodies of three children were recovered during search operations after seven of them went missing when a pick-up van plunged into a canal near here Thursday, officials said.

The vehicle was carrying 29 people, who were returning home after attending a wedding function in neighbouring Barabanki district. Twenty-two of them were rescued.

The Sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Mohanlalganj tehsil, Suryakant, told PTI, "Search operations were suspended around 8.30 pm and will resume Friday morning."
One of the aggrieved parents said, "The driver of the van was under the influence of alcohol and was driving at a high speed. He overshot a bend and the van fell into the canal."
SDM Mohanlalganj Suryakant said, "The allegation that the driver was under the influence of alcohol is being examined. He has been sent for medical examination to establish whether he had consumed alcohol."
The DM also said, "Water level in the canal has been reduced by around two metres since morning. Ambulances have already been deployed at the site. Divers have intensified the search, and all efforts are being made to find out the missing children."