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One dead in collision between barge and rowing boat on the Rhine

Barge
Barges and cargo ships on the Rhine are responsible for 10% of all goods imported into Switzerland. © Keystone / Christian Beutler

One person died and three were injured in a collision between a barge and a rowing boat on Monday evening on the River Rhine.

The accident took place at Birsfelden in canton Basel Country. All four victims were on the smaller vessel. 

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A 52-year-old woman was killed in the frontal collision that took place a little after 7pm on Monday. Three other women in the canoe sustained minor injuries. In addition to the police, firefighters and a helicopter were deployed. 

An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the collision. 

The president of Basel rowing club, to which the boat belonged, said the four were experienced rowers and that nighttime rows were common. He said he couldn’t remember a similar accident in the past 50 years.

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