DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Officials say at least seven people died when a river ferry capsized in central Bangladesh after a reported collision with a cargo vessel.

The ferry was carrying about 100 passengers and officials say they believe many survived, though it's not clear exactly how many people are missing. Ferries in Bangladesh usually do not maintain formal passenger lists.

Passing boats are helping rescue teams in the operation about 25 miles northwest of the capital, Dhaka.

Inspector Zihad Mia, who is overseeing the rescue, says six bodies have been recovered by divers while the body of a child was retrieved by local residents.

A passenger who survived says many people got trapped inside.

The Padma is one of the largest rivers in Bangladesh, a delta nation that is crisscrossed by more than 130 waterways.

Overcrowding and poor safety standards are often blamed for ferry disasters there.

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