Boat Engine Catches Fire In Narmada River At Omkareshwar; 5–6 Passengers Rescued, Probe Ordered

Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh): A boat carrying between five and six passengers encountered a fire in the Narmada River near Gomukh Ghat on Thursday morning. Flames suddenly ignited from the boat's engine, causing alarm among the passengers. The boatman immediately transferred all occupants to another vessel, ensuring their safe evacuation.

No injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the incident. About 11 am, the boat engine in vessel number 198 caught fire in the Narmada River near Gomukh Ghat. Flames quickly grew, alarming the passengers onboard. The boatman, however, acted swiftly, transferring the five to six passengers to another boat. His prompt action averted a potentially serious accident.

This event was subsequently reported to the Omkareshwar Municipal Council. In response to the fire incident, Municipal Council Chief Officer Monica Pardhi ordered the seizure of the boat's engine and tasked Revenue Inspector Jitendra Gohe with conducting an investigation. Gohe will examine the cause of the engine fire and determine whether safety protocols were being adhered to during the boat's operation.

Concerns about boat safety have been heightened following previous fire incidents involving boats in Omkareshwar, including at Brahmapuri Ghat and other locations. These incidents have reignited discussions about fuel handling, engine safety, passenger limits, emergency life jacket availability, and rescue arrangements for passengers.

The Narmada River sees a large influx of visitors and tourists, and many utilize boats for river crossings. A minor technical fault in a boat can pose significant risks to passengers. Despite the incident not resulting in any casualties due to the boatman's quick response, it has sparked renewed concerns over the oversight of boat operations and regular inspections of safety measures.