Twenty one people were reported dead and nearly a dozen missing as a boat carrying more than 50 people from Sabalpur Diara to Gandhi Ghat in India capsized. About a dozen people are being treated at Patna Medical College and Hospital.
The incident took place when the boat was on its way back from Sabalpur Diara, where hundreds of people assembled on the occasion of Makar Sankranti to witness a kite-flying festival held each year in the riverine area. Sabalpur Diara is about 2 km from across Patna from Gandhi Ghat.
The state government had arranged boats to ferry passengers but since there were few boats available for the return ride to Patna, all available boats were overcrowded, several survivors said.
NDRF deputy commandant Ravi Kant confirmed 19 deaths and said the boat might have capsized since it was overcrowded. State Disaster Management department Secretary Pratyaya Amrit said an inquiry has been ordered and Rs 4 lakh compensation would be given to the next of kin of each deceased.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has ordered an inquiry and directed officials to discontinue kite flying at Sabalpur Diara.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy. “PM expressed grief on the loss of lives caused by the boat tragedy in Bihar. He extended condolences to the bereaved families,” the PMO handle tweeted.
-IE
-Agencies
