Tragic Boat Capsizing Claims Lives of 13 Minors in Bihar’s Ganga River

In a heartbreaking incident, at least 13 minors lost their lives when a boat carrying villagers capsized in the Ganga river in Raghopur, Vaishali district, Bihar, on Tuesday evening. The boat was reportedly en route to a nearby village for a celebratory feast when the tragedy struck.

As of late Tuesday, officials, including District Magistrate Varsha Singh, confirmed that the bodies of all 13 children, aged 15 and under, had been recovered. Additionally, seven survivors were rescued and taken to Nalanda Medical College and Hospital in Patna, where they are reported to be in stable condition. The swift response from local residents, who jumped into the river to aid those struggling in the water, was crucial in the rescue efforts.

Eyewitnesses revealed that some passengers managed to swim to safety while others called for help. The local police and a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) immediately launched search and rescue operations, deploying six boats for the challenging task ahead. The damaged vessel, which had undergone temporary repairs using plastic sheets, was later located, marking a crucial step in understanding the circumstances surrounding the accident.

As the news spread, a wave of anger and frustration swept through the local community. During a visit to the hospital by District Magistrate Singh, she faced a hostile crowd of residents expressing their grief and outrage over the incident. Many community members demanded accountability and better safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

This incident sheds light on the persistent issues of safety and regulation concerning water transport in rural India. Despite the risks, many villagers rely on boats for transportation to reach remote areas, particularly during festivals where communal gatherings are a part of their cultural fabric. The loss of young lives in this tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved safety protocols and infrastructure to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future.

Source: scroll.in