Yangon, March 24 (Xinhua) At least 16 people were killed and 12 were reported missing when an overloaded boat capsized on a river near Yangon, the Myanmar transport authorities said Saturday.

The boat, overloaded with 70 people along with rice bran sacks and bamboos, capsized Friday when it tried to avoid a whirlpool in the Toe River, officials said.

The boat was on its way to Dedaye in western Ayeyarwaddy division from Kunkhyankone Yangon division.

Rescuers brought at least 42 people to safety.