Two die in river tragedy

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Two people died in the river Aare yesterday. A 93-year-old man and his potential rescuer.

The elderly man was traveling along the side of the river in Winznau in canton Solothurn in an electric wheelchair with his wife – when trying to move past a parked car, the wheels slipped and he plunged in to the river. 

A nearby 41-year-old saw the accident and dived in to help – but he soon got in trouble. 

The elderly man was pulled out alive – but died shortly after in hospital - the rescuer was dragged downstream. 

Police used helicopters and divers to search for the man – but they later discovered his body.

An investigation is underway. 

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