The Accident took place near Tuwal Thiram beach in Tanur area of Malappuram district

MALAPPURAM: At least 22 people killed after a tourist boat overturned in Malappuram district of Kerala on Sunday. According to the news agency, more than 40 people were on board the boat. Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman has confirmed the death of 22 people based on the information received from various hospitals. He said that most of the dead includes children and women. 4 people have been admitted to Kotakkal Hospital in critical condition.

The Accident took place near Tuwal Thiram beach in Tanur area of Malappuram district at around 7 pm on Sunday. The boat is brought to shore. Regional Fire Range Officer Shiju KK said that the exact number of people on board the boat could not be ascertained. Considering the possibility of other people getting trapped in such a situation, a rescue operation is being conducted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the accident on Social Media. He tweeted, "Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. My condolences to the families of the deceased. Rs 2 lakh will be given by PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased."

Of the 22 people killed in the accident, 15 have been identified. The post-mortem process of the deceased will start from 6:00 am. Minister V. Abdurahiman said that the reason for the overturning of the boat has not been revealed yet. The police is investigating the matter

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA PK Kunhalikutty said that it is believed that there were more people on board than the capacity of the boat, due to which the boat sank. After the incident, Health Minister Veena George has called an emergency meeting.

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the accident. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary KC Venugopal have also expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.