Ljubljana - At least 10 people, including a mayor, drowned Thursday when they were sucked into the siphon of a hydroelectric power plant, local media reported.

The accident occurred on the Sava River at Sevnica, at the Blanca plant, which is still under construction.

Among those who disappeared in the siphon of the plant was the Sevnica mayor and deputy in the national parliament, Kristijan Janc.

The canoe ride was to be the last on that section of the river, because the finalization of the plant would block the path in the future.

Up to 14 people were riding in two canoes which overturned or broke under still unclear circumstances. They fell into the water and were sucked into the tunnel leading to the place where the turbines generating electricity would turn once the plant starts working.

None of the riders in the canoes wore life vests and witnesses said only one woman from the two boats made it ashore.

Rescuers in boats and helicopters were searching the water at the scene, reports said. (dpa)