JAKARTA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Six people were found dead, and nine others remain missing after a truck carrying 32 people, including several children, plunged into a river in Indonesia's Riau province, a top rescuer said on Sunday.

The fatal accident occurred in a river in Pelalawan Regency late Saturday, according to Budi Cahyadi, head of the provincial search and rescue office.

"Three of the six casualties were discovered on Sunday, while the others were found on Saturday," he said.

"The death toll stands at six, and nine people are still missing. 17 people survived the incident," Cahyadi told Xinhua by phone. All survivors were taken to a health clinic for medical treatment, he added.

The search and rescue operation for the nine missing persons will resume on Monday, he said. A drowsy driver is suspected to have caused the fatal accident.

The truck was lifted from the river on Sunday, but no bodies were found inside the vehicle, he said. Enditem

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