Bihar: Boat Capsizes in Muzaffarpur, 10 Children Missing

Muzaffarpur: A major accident took place in Bagmati river in Muzaffarpur, Bihar on Thursday. A boat full of school children capsized in the river. The accident happened at 9.30 am under Gaighat police station area. There were more than 30 children in the boat. Till now 20 children have been taken out. 10 children are still missing.

The school is across the river. The children were going to school by boat as usual. The boat overturned due to the strong flow of the river.

Huge crowd gathered at the spot

SDRF-NDRF team along with Gaighat and Beniabad police have reached the spot. Rescue operation has been started. As soon as information about the incident was received, a huge crowd of people gathered at the spot.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that instructions have been given to the DM and officials. The government will help the families of those affected.

An eyewitness from the village itself said that a boy saved two people. He again went into the river to save more people, but due to the strong current he himself drowned. There were 9th and 10th class children on the boat who were going to school. Some village people were also on the boat with the children. 

SDRF and NDRF teams have started rescue

SDO East Amit Kumar said that our main focus is on rescuing the children safely. There is no clear figure yet as to how many people have drowned. SDRF and NDRF teams have started rescue. Those who drowned include children, women, youth and the elderly. The boat capsized on the bank, so many people managed to come out.

Villagers present on the spot told that like every day, on Thursday, children were going to school on a boat. There were more than 30 children on the boat. Due to the strong current, the boat lost its balance and overturned. After the accident, the children on board the boat screamed for help.

It is being told that the local people have been demanding a bridge for many years. People use boats for shortcuts. Children also go to school by boat in order to get a shortcut.