Boat Capsizes in India, Claiming Lives of 13 Children

News Desk

VAISHALI: A tragic incident unfolded late Tuesday when an overloaded boat capsized in the Ganges River in eastern Bihar, resulting in the deaths of 13 children who were en route to a Hindu festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the “deeply painful” tragedy, highlighting the profound loss felt by the community.

Rescue efforts commenced immediately as locals rushed to the scene, using mobile phone lights to locate the victims in the dark waters.

Ravi Yadav, a villager who participated in the rescue, recounted the harrowing moment: “It was dark when we suddenly heard children screaming and crying for help as the boat capsized.” Despite their efforts, only three children were rescued.

This incident raises serious concerns about safety regulations for public transport in India, especially during festive occasions when large crowds gather.

The overloaded boat, which was likely carrying more passengers than it could safely accommodate, underscores the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, with calls for accountability from local leaders and the public.

As the community mourns, there will likely be discussions on improving safety protocols for river transport to ensure that such a devastating event does not occur again.