Four schoolchildren were killed when a boat carrying them to classes capsized in India this morning.

The youngsters were among 25 crammed onto the wooden vessel when it lost control in strong currents on the Jhelum River near the Batwara-Gandabal area of Srinagar.

Seven pupils were pulled from the torrents and taken to hospital for treatment.

Officials said that three children are still undergoing treatment at the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital in Srinagar.

Others are still feared missing.

Footage shows two vessels that joined the impromptu rescue trying to reach some of the schoolchildren.

'The boat is approaching them, but it will take longer to reach them,' a shaken onlooker is heard saying.

Terrified residents can be heard screaming in the background moments before some of them were rescued by boatmen.

According to reports from locals in Batwara and Gandabal, the boat carrying schoolchildren capsised as it struggled to negotiate the river with people loaded onboard.

Following the distressing event, locals rushed to the scene to assist in the rescue efforts.

Seven individuals were rescued and transported to the hospital.

Neighbours, including rescuers, have been seen retrieving school bags from the area in anticipation of the worst, as the rescue operation continues.

Dr Muzaffar Zargar, Medical Superintendent of SMHS, confirmed to local media that three individuals are currently receiving medical treatment.