Jabalpur Bargi Dam Cruise Accident: Cruise boat packed with tourists capsizes, six bodies recovered, over 15 still missing, CM Mohan Yadav announces compensation
Jabalpur Bargi Dam Cruise Accident: A major accident occurred on Thursday evening at the Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Amidst strong winds and a storm, a cruise boat packed with tourists capsized and sank. According to preliminary reports, the incident took place near Khamaria Island.
There were more than 40 people on board the ill-fated cruise. Upon receiving news of the incident, the rescue team from the Jabalpur district administration rushed to the scene and immediately launched a rescue operation.
According to the police, six bodies have been recovered. 19 people have been safely rescued. More than 15 are still missing.
According to eyewitnesses present at the site, the cruise boat was conducting a tour of the dam for tourists—just as it did every day. However, sudden strong winds and a storm arose unexpectedly, causing the boat to lose its balance and sink into the dam's waters.
Bargi City SP (CSP) Anjul Mishra stated that 40 to 45 people were on board the MP Tourism cruise. The accident occurred due to a sudden storm. Upon receiving information about the incident, an SDRF team arrived to conduct rescue operations.
Rescue operations are facing difficulties due to the lack of daylight; however, a search for the people is underway using powerful torches. According to locals, the sudden onset of the storm left the cruise boat's pilot with no opportunity to regain control of the vessel.
Cruise pilot Mahesh stated that he has been operating cruises for the past 10 years and is fully trained and licensed. According to him, the cruise vessel was equipped with all necessary safety measures and an adequate supply of life jackets; however, the storm struck so suddenly that the passengers did not have the opportunity to put them on.
Ministers, Senior Officials Directed to Reach Spot Immediately
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the cruise accident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur, caused by a severe dust storm and strong winds, and described the incident as extremely distressing. He directed Public Works Minister Rakesh Singh and Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi to immediately reach the affected area. The Chief Minister also instructed the Additional Chief Secretary (in charge of Jabalpur division), ADG, and local public representatives to reach the site without delay. He approved an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that in this hour of crisis, the state government stands firmly and sensitively with the affected families. All possible assistance is being ensured for those impacted.
With the support of the local administration, rescue teams are actively engaged in relief operations. Due to prompt rescue efforts, 15 citizens have been safely rescued. Efforts are underway to locate those who are still missing.
Search and rescue operations are continuing on a war footing to locate the remaining missing persons. The Collector and Superintendent of Police of Jabalpur, along with SDRF and other rescue teams, are present at the site and actively engaged in relief and rescue operations.