13 Dead As Boat Capsizes in Ganga River in Bihar; Rescue Operation Underway
Patna: At least 13 people, including several children, died after a boat packed with passengers capsized in the Ganga River near Rampur Shyamchand village in Bihar's Vaishali district on Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred in the Raghopur Diyara area while approximately 15 to 20 people were traveling by boat to attend a feast in a nearby village. The boat overturned in the river, causing the passengers to fall into the water.
According to media reports, many people were rescued, while some passengers remain missing. Conflicting information regarding the death toll emerged as the rescue operation continued late into the night. The exact number of people on board has not yet been confirmed.
Rescue Teams Search for Missing Passengers
Upon receiving news of the accident, local police and district administration officials arrived at the scene. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local divers and villagers, conducted rescue and search operations. Survivors who sustained injuries were taken for medical treatment.
Preliminary reports suggest that overcrowding—carrying more passengers than the boat's capacity—may have caused the accident, although the exact circumstances are still being investigated. Most of the victims are said to be children. A team of officials has been dispatched to the scene after the accident.
Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary expressed grief over the deaths and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Officials were coordinating rescue efforts and providing assistance to the affected families.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with river travel and the importance of boat safety in the riverine regions of Bihar.