Vaishali/Patna: At least 13 people are feared dead after a boat carrying between 15 and 20 passengers capsized in the Ganges in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Tuesday evening, according to preliminary reports. Several passengers remain missing, and a search and rescue operation is underway.
The incident occurred near Rampur Shyamchand village in the Raghopur police station area when the passengers were reportedly travelling to a neighbouring village to attend a feast. Children were among those on board.
After the boat capsized, some passengers managed to swim to safety, while others were reported to have drowned. Some of those rescued were said to be in critical condition and were being taken to hospital by ambulance.
Rescue Operation Underway
Police and administrative teams reached the site after receiving information about the incident and launched rescue efforts to locate missing passengers and assist survivors.
The accident triggered panic in the area, with families of those on board gathering at the scene amid uncertainty over the fate of their relatives.
Preliminary reports suggested that the boat may have been overloaded, but the exact cause of the accident had not been established at the time of reporting.
Tejashwi Yadav Expresses Grief
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA from Raghopur and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, expressed grief over the incident and prayed for the safety of those on board.
He said most of the victims were children and that he had spoken with local residents, administrative officials and other authorities. He also directed them to expedite rescue and relief operations and ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured.
Rescue teams continued their efforts to locate those still missing as authorities worked to assist the affected families.
