Bihar Boat Tragedy Claims 13 Children's Lives In Vaishali, Large Hole Found In Vessel; Officials Face Action
Patna: A large hole has been found in a boat that capsized in the Ganga river in Bihar’s Vaishali district, claiming the lives of 13 children, including seven from the same extended family. Local residents expressed their anger and frustration over the boat's dilapidated condition and accused the administration of not replacing the boat, even when a complaint was lodged with officials concerned.…
Bihar's Vaishali district witnessed a tragic incident on Tuesday when a boat carrying children capsized in the Ganga river, resulting in the loss of 13 young lives. The victims, all between the ages of 10 and 14, were en route to a feast in a neighboring village. Among the deceased were seven children from the same extended family. Eyewitnesses reported that the boat had a large hole, causing it to sink.
Locals expressed anger and frustration over the boat's deteriorated condition, accusing the administration of neglecting to replace it despite previous complaints. The district administration revealed that the victims included nine girls and four boys. A young survivor, Ajit Kumar Ashwani, recounted how the boat began to sink as water filled up inside it.
The State Disaster Response Force retrieved the boat, which was provided to residents of the flood-prone Raghopur area years ago. Officials have been held accountable, with action pending against those operating the boat and the officials responsible for its supervision. An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident, expected to submit its report by the following day.
The administration has provided ex-gratia assistance to the victims' families, including financial aid from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
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