Monday, 23/04/2018 16:36 (GMT+7)
At least 20 people were killed on April 21st after two dragon boats capsized in Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China.
(Photo: AP/VNA)
The accident happened around 13h32 (local time) in an area where two rivers converge causing a powerful current flows. Most of those who went into the river were not wearing life jackets, media reported.
Xinhua News Agency said 57 people had gone into the water and 200 rescuers were sent to help. The rescue effort went on late into the night.
The boats were practicing for a race in the Taohua River in the city of Guilin when the accident happened, said the fire department of the city of Guilin, capital of Guangxi region.
It was not immediately clear what caused the boats to capsize.
The accident happened during training for the popular event, also called the Duanwu Festival, which will be held in June and features long boats powered by dozens of paddlers racing along rivers and reservoirs.
The festival pays tribute to the ancient poet Qu Yuan who, legend has it, drowned himself in protest against being falsely accused of treason./.
Compiled by BTA