News Desk: The death toll from a boat capsize in Bihar's Raghopur area has risen to 13, with most of the victims being children, officials said. Six people were rescued and are undergoing treatment at Nalanda Medical College and Hospital in Patna. The state administration has launched an investigation into the incident.
The accident took place on Tuesday evening in the Ganga river near Rampur Shyamchand village in the Raghopur area of Vaishali district. According to officials, around 20 people were travelling on a private boat when it capsized amid rising water levels and strong river currents.
The passengers were reportedly heading to attend a feast when the boat suddenly overturned and sank into deep water. Some people managed to swim to safety, while others were swept into the river. Local residents immediately began rescue efforts and alerted the administration.
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh confirmed that all 13 deceased had been identified. Among the victims were nine girls and four boys. The youngest was a six-year-old boy, while the oldest was a 16-year-old girl.
The district administration has announced financial assistance of ₹4 lakh for each bereaved family. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths, describing the incident as deeply distressing. He also directed officials to continue rescue operations and ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the tragedy. Officials suspect that an imbalance may have caused the boat to capsize, although the exact reason remains unclear.
The administration is also examining how the private boat was allowed to operate at night and is looking into the boatman's background. Rescue teams from state and national disaster response forces worked through the night as part of the search and rescue operation.
The tragedy has triggered reactions from political leaders across Bihar. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav described the incident as tragic and unfortunate, expressing concern over the large number of children who lost their lives.
Yadav, who represents the Raghopur Assembly constituency, said that instructions had been issued to coordinate with local residents and officials to speed up relief, rescue and medical assistance. He is also scheduled to visit the affected area after returning from New Delhi.
The incident has once again raised concerns about passenger safety on rivers, particularly in areas where private boats are used for transportation. Questions surrounding the boat's operation, passenger safety measures and the circumstances of the capsize are expected to remain central to the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the administration continues to focus on medical care for the survivors and support for the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
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