LOC12:36
09:36 GMT
An old photo of the capsized ferry in Tigris
IRBIL, Iraq, March 22 (KUNA) -- Over 100 people, mostly women and children, are reported to have died after a ferry capsized in the Tigris River in Mosul on Thursday, official health source announced Friday.
The current death toll has escalated to more than 100 people, while search remains underway to find more victims, the Nineveh health directorate in Mosul said in a statement.
Iraqi Civil Defense Chief Hussam Khalil indicated on Thursday the accident happened when the ferry was transporting people to resort island of Umm Al-Rubaieen.
The river rushing water has hampered the rescue operation, he added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Adel Abdulmahdi visited the injured survivors at Al-Salam Hospital in Mosul.
The Premier also toured the hospital's facilities, including the morgue, and declared three days of national mourning.
He has also ordered an investigation to determine responsibilities after following the recent news on the accident "with pain and sadness".
Abdulmahdi also ordered all state efforts to find survivors and treat victims. (end)
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