KATHMANDU, Nepal (AFP) — At least two people drowned and another 20 were missing after a crowded ferry capsized in a river in eastern Nepal, according to police.
"The bodies of two people have been recovered some five kilometres (three miles) downstream near the Indian border and around 20 are still missing," police officer Chakra Basnet told AFP.
"The number of the people on board has remained sketchy but some of the survivors said the number was around 40."
Around 10 passengers were rescued and seven others swam to safety, said Basnet, who was involved in the rescue operation in Sunsari district, 230 kilometres (145 miles) southeast of Kathmandu.
Earlier officials said that the boat was carrying around 50 people.
Chief government administrator Durga Bhandari told AFP that the overloaded boat capsized after it hit a tree floating in the middle of the Koshi river.
"There was a heavy fog in the morning and the boatman failed to see the tree," said Bhandari.
He said that several boats have been in operation for passengers crossing the Koshi after the river breached its flood defences last year and swept away roads connecting the eastern parts of Nepal.
More than 50,000 people in Nepal and one million people in India were displaced after the river washed away a dam and changed course.
Boat accidents are common in Nepal as most vessels are overcrowded and do not follow safety measures.
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