A tragic incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh's Hamirpur district on Sunday when a boat carrying several passengers capsized in the Yamuna River, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving four others missing. The accident took place near the village of Gohand, prompting an immediate rescue operation by local authorities and divers.
Details of the Incident
The boat was reportedly carrying around a dozen people when it overturned due to strong currents and overloading. While some passengers managed to swim to safety, two bodies were recovered from the river, and four others remain unaccounted for. The deceased have been identified as villagers from the nearby area.
Rescue Efforts Underway
District administration officials, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police, have launched a search operation to locate the missing persons. Divers are scouring the river, and rescue teams are using boats to comb the area. The operation is expected to continue through the night.
Authorities have also initiated an investigation into the cause of the capsizing. Preliminary reports suggest that the boat was overcrowded and lacked adequate safety equipment, such as life jackets. The driver of the boat is currently absconding, and a case has been registered.
Reactions and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about river transport safety in the region. Local residents have demanded stricter enforcement of boat capacity norms and mandatory safety gear. The district magistrate has assured that a thorough inquiry will be conducted and that necessary measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The families of the victims have been informed, and compensation has been announced for the deceased. The search for the missing persons continues with full vigor.
