Raibaga, Sept 16: In a tragic incident, three minor girls drowned in the Sankh River in Sundargarh district on Wednesday. Three others were rescued and are currently undergoing treatment.

The incident took place in Dalki village under Raibaga police station in the district.

According to reports, a group of minor girls from the village had gone to the Sankh River to collect sand and water for Karma Puja. However, the river was carrying strong currents due to the high water level.

While the girls were near the river, one after another, all six reportedly got swept away by the strong current.

On noticing the girls drowning, local residents rushed to the spot and managed to rescue all six. They were immediately taken to Biramitrapur Hospital for treatment.

However, doctors declared three of the girls dead. The remaining three are undergoing treatment at the hospital.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village, while the families of the deceased girls are reportedly devastated by the tragedy.