At least 40 perish when Iraq river barge capsizes

ZAKHO, Iraq, Nov 30 (AFP) - More than 40 people drowned Tuesday when an overcrowded barge crossing a swollen river in northern Iraq was swept away, witnesses told AFP.
The barge was trying to cross the Tigris near the town of Zakho close to the border with Turkey when it overturned, said one witness, Sherwan Ali.
"Many people drowned, between 40 and 45. The bodies were evacuated to neighbouring towns," Ali added.
He and other witnesses said that the accident was caused by overcrowding on the ferry, which was carrying mainly Kurds living abroad.
They were leaving Iraq after spending several days or weeks stranded at the border, which had been closed by the government since the start of the offensive against insurgents in the Sunni city of Fallujah earlier this month.
"They had just found out that the border (with Turkey) re-opened and many people were heading there," Ali added.
There was no immediate confirmation of the casualty toll from hospital sources.

11/30/2004 12:50 GMT - AFP