Lead Developments
At least 13 people, predominantly children, died on Tuesday evening when a passenger boat capsized in the Ganga River in India's Bihar state. The vessel overturned midstream around 8:30 p.m. near Rampur Shyamchand village within the Raghopur police station jurisdiction of Vaishali district. Passengers on board were returning from a community feast across the river.
Casualties and Rescue Operations
Local authorities, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, and divers were deployed to conduct overnight search and recovery operations in the river. According to Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh, seven survivors—including the boat owner—were rescued and hospitalized, while initial assessments placed the confirmed death toll at 13. Local political leaders, including Rashtriya Janata Dal legislator Tejashwi Yadav, reported that up to 14 bodies had been recovered as rescue teams continued sweeping the area for individuals still unaccounted for.
Among the victims identified by local administration were multiple minors and young residents from Rampur Shyamchand village. Surviving passengers requiring medical attention were transferred to the primary health centre at Raghopur Fatehpur.
Official Responses and Financial Aid
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the accident, describing the tragedy as deeply painful. The Prime Minister's Office announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased individual, alongside Rs 50,000 for those who sustained injuries. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also extended his condolences and announced state financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of each victim.
Background
River transport accidents periodically occur in rural segments of Bihar during gatherings and festive periods, often exacerbated by overcrowding on small or unmotorized vessels. Administrative officials stated that an investigation into the precise cause of the capsizing is underway.
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