At least 26 people, most of them children, died when a ferry capsized in the southern African country of Zambia, police said today.
Among the drowned in yesterday's accident were parents and school children aged from six to 15 years, as well as a baby. The state broadcaster said 23 of those who died were children.
They were travelling to another school across Lake Kariba, in the south of the country, where they were meant to participate in Zambia's 50th independence day celebrations.
The accident was caused by overloading, according to authorities. The boat carried 20 people more than its capacity allowed.
Zambia's vice president, Guy Scott, visited the area today and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. He said the government would shoulder the funeral expenses.
Military and police divers were sent to the lake to retrieve the bodies.
