Panic and rescues as ferry sinks on Mekong River in Laos, leaving at least three feared dead
A ferry carrying tourists sank on the Mekong River in Laos, prompting scenes of panic as passengers scrambled for safety. Authorities say a local woman and two children are feared dead, while dozens of others were rescued from the water. Witnesses described screams and chaos as people tried to escape the sinking vessel.
The ferry, whose capacity and exact passenger count are still being confirmed, reportedly capsized suddenly, possibly due to overloading or strong river currents. Emergency crews, including local authorities and nearby boat operators, responded quickly to rescue survivors and bring them to shore.
Hospitals in the area are treating those injured in the incident, many of whom suffered minor injuries and shock. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the disaster and to assess whether safety regulations were properly followed.
The tragedy has drawn attention to safety concerns for river transport in Laos, which is widely used by locals and tourists alike. Officials have urged travelers to follow safety guidelines and warned operators to adhere strictly to capacity limits and safety measures.
Rescue teams continue to search for the missing, while families of the victims await news. The incident highlights the risks associated with river travel in regions with strong currents and limited safety infrastructure.