Boat tragedy in Bihar: Eight children among 11 killed in Ganga capsize

Patna: A boat carrying passengers to a feast capsized in the Ganga River in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Tuesday, leaving at least 11 people dead. Eight of the victims were children, officials said.

The mishap took place near Rampur Shyamchand village in the Raghopur police station area. Preliminary accounts suggest that 15 to 20 people were travelling in the boat when it overturned mid-river.

Rescue teams pulled several passengers to safety, while around six others sustained injuries and were rushed for treatment. Officials said the search for missing persons was continuing, and that the final count of those on board and the dead would be confirmed only after the operation concludes.

Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh said a majority of those who died were minors. Police personnel and a team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) reached the spot to support local residents engaged in the rescue effort.

The incident spread panic in the riverside village, with people joining officials in the search operation. Authorities have also begun examining the circumstances under which the boat capsized.

Expressing grief, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav said he had spoken to local residents and officials and asked them to intensify the rescue work and ensure immediate medical attention to the injured.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary described the deaths as heartbreaking and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims.

The state government announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased. It has also directed officials to expedite relief measures and provide proper treatment to those injured.

Officials said further details would emerge as rescue operations continue and the administration verifies the number of victims and the cause of the accident.

(Inputs from IANS)