Cuttack, Apr 24: In a heartbreaking incident, two children died by drowning in the Mahanadi River at Cuttack this forenoon.

According to the information, some children were bathing in the river near Mal Godown police station at Jobra when three slipped into the deep water. One of them was rescued immediately by locals, who were present. However, the other two could not be rescued.

On being informed, fire tenders and local police personnel rushed to the spot and started a search operation. They rescued the two children and rushed them to the hospital. But doctors declared them dead.

The death of two children has sent a shockwave through the area. Further investigation is underway.