Two Children Killed After Ferry Strikes Bridge in Eastern Syria

DAMASCUS- At least two children were killed after a ferry carrying more than 35 people struck a bridge while crossing the Euphrates River in the eastern Syrian city of Deir Ezzor on Sunday, the Syrian Civil Defense said.

The collision caused everyone aboard the vessel to fall into the river, prompting an emergency rescue operation by the Syrian Civil Defense.

The rescue agency said more than 15 people had been pulled from the water, while search and rescue teams continued efforts to locate those who remained missing.

Authorities did not immediately provide details on what caused the ferry to collide with the bridge or identify the victims.

The Syrian Civil Defense said rescue operations were ongoing in the Euphrates River as emergency crews searched for survivors and recovered those affected by the accident.

Deir Ezzor, located along the Euphrates in eastern Syria, has long relied on river crossings to connect communities on both sides of the waterway. Ferry transport remains an important means of travel in areas where infrastructure has been damaged or remains limited after years of conflict.

No further official information was immediately available regarding the condition of the rescued passengers or whether additional casualties were expected as the operation continued.