A hovercraft running between Irrawaddy Division’s Bassein, Ngaputaw and Thayattaw townships capsized and sank yesterday afternoon leaving at least four people dead.

The hovercraft capsized around 3pm. While no official statement has been released, observers at the scene suggest that excessive weight on the ship might have triggered the accident. Local residents said the weather was fine during the time of the incident and the craft capsized as it was preparing to dock.

There were about 100 passengers on board when the craft sank and Ngaputaw hospital confirmed that four people were killed.

Such accidents are frequent in Burma due to a lack of safety regulations and frequent use of the country’s waterways for travel purposes.