Children among 14 killed after boat capsizes in Bihars Hajipur; CM announces compensation
Preliminary reports suggest that some children had boarded the boat to attend a feast and were returning when the vessel overturned.
PTC News Desk: At least 14 people have died after a boat carrying passengers capsized in the Ganga River near Rampur Shyamchand village in Bihar's Vaishali district. Women and children are believed to be among the victims.
According to the latest update shared by Raghopur MLA and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, six people have been admitted to hospital, while three others have been rescued safely. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of the Raghopur police station.
Preliminary reports suggest that some children had boarded the boat to attend a feast and were returning when the vessel overturned. Initial reports had put the death toll between five and eight.
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh initially confirmed 11 deaths to India Today. However, Tejashwi Yadav later said that 14 bodies had been recovered.
PMO, CM announce compensation
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced compensation for the victims' families. The Prime Minister's Office said the next of kin of each deceased person would receive Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Those injured in the accident will receive Rs 50,000.
"The loss of lives in the boat capsizing incident in Vaishali, Bihar, is deeply painful. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured. The local administration is assisting those affected,” PMO said in a post on X.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "The news of the deaths of innocent lives in the boat accident at Raghopur in Vaishali is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families during this difficult time. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give the families the strength to bear this immense grief".
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of people travelling by boat across rivers. Further details about the cause of the accident, the identities of the victims and the rescue operation are awaited as authorities continue to assess the situation.