More than 20 feared drowned on Zambia independence day

At least 20 people, mainly schoolchildren, are believed to have died in Zambia after a boat capsized during celebrations for the nation's golden anniversary of independence, the state-run news service has reported.

The boat went down on Lake Kariba in the southern African nation yesterday, with three teachers and 21 pupils on board, the ZANIS agency reported, citing a police source.

They were travelling to another school for nationwide celebrations to mark 50 years since Zambia won independence from Britain in 1964.

"About 24 people from Henga Primary school in Gwembe are feared dead on Lake Kariba today after the boat they were travelling in capsized," the source said.