Jabalpur Bargi Dam tragedy: Video shows panic moments before cruise capsized, safety lapses under scanner
Jabalpur Bargi Dam tragedy: A disturbing video from inside the ill-fated cruise at Bargi Dam has surfaced, capturing the terrifying final moments before the boat capsized earlier this week. The incident is now being counted among the deadliest tourism-related accidents in Madhya Pradesh.
The video shows passengers sitting calmly when water suddenly starts entering the vessel. Within seconds, the situation turns chaotic. People can be heard screaming as the boat begins to tilt and lose balance in rough weather conditions.
Eyewitness visuals also suggest that life jackets were not readily available. Crew members were seen opening packed bundles of jackets only after the boat had already started sinking, leaving passengers struggling to access them in panic.
Initial reports point to serious violations of safety norms. As per rules under the Inland Vessels Act, passengers must be given life jackets before the journey begins. However, survivors claim no such measures were followed.
The boat was reportedly carrying more than 40 persons, even though tickets were issued for only 29. Despite an Orange Alert warning issued by the weather department, the cruise was allowed to operate in strong winds and storm-like conditions.
So far, nine bodies have been recovered, while four persons, including three children, are still missing. Rescue operations were paused due to heavy rainfall but are expected to resume.
Survivors have narrated horrifying experiences. A 72-year-old man reportedly stayed in the water for nearly four hours before being rescued. In another tragic detail, a woman and her young son were found dead, still holding each other.
One survivor said that the staff kept asking passengers to remain seated but did not provide any help or safety equipment. He managed to survive after finding a floating tube, while local villagers and fishermen helped rescue many others by throwing ropes from the shore.
Questions are also being raised over delays in the rescue response. Although a distress call was received in the evening, the first rescue team faced delays in reaching the spot due to logistical issues.
In the immediate aftermath, local residents played a key role in saving lives before official rescue teams, including the NDRF, took charge.
Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has ordered a complete halt on cruise and water sports activities across the state. A high-level inquiry committee has been set up to investigate the incident and fix responsibility.
Officials and staff linked to the cruise operation have faced suspension and termination.
- With inputs from agencies
