J&K boat tragedy: Death toll rises to 22

The Navy boat carrying schoolchildren had capsized in Wullar lake on Tuesday due to over-excitement of the kids.

The death toll in the Wullar lake boat tragedy in Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 22 with the recovery of five more bodies, a defence spokesman said on Wednesday.

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The incident took place on Tuesday when a Navy boat carrying students and teachers of Burning Candle High School capsized in the lake due to over-excitement of the kids who were touring the lake for the first time.

"Five bodies of schoolchildren were recovered from the lake this morning taking the death toll in Tuesday's mishap to 22," the spokesman said.

With the latest recoveries, the total number of children drowned in the incident has reached 21. The other person killed in the accident is a female teacher.

Meanhwile, funeral rites of bodies recovered on Tuesday was performed in Handwara amidst an emotionally-charged atmosphere, official sources said.

The law and order situation was under control, they said.