A tragic boat accident in Bihar's Samastipur district has left at least three people dead and four others missing. The incident occurred on Wednesday when a boat carrying around 15 passengers capsized in the Burhi Gandak river near the Mohiuddin Nagar area.
Details of the Incident
The boat was reportedly on its way from one village to another when it overturned mid-river. Local residents immediately alerted the authorities, and a rescue operation was launched. As per officials, three bodies have been recovered so far, while efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals.
Rescue Operations Underway
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) teams have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Divers are scouring the river to find the missing persons. District administration officials are also present at the spot to coordinate the relief efforts.
According to eyewitnesses, the boat was overcrowded and lacked adequate safety measures. The exact cause of the capsizing is yet to be ascertained, but preliminary reports suggest that strong currents in the river may have contributed to the accident.
Government Response
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. He also directed the officials to ensure speedy rescue operations and provide all necessary assistance to the affected families.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the matter. The boat owner has been taken into custody for questioning. This incident highlights the recurring issue of unsafe boat travel in rural Bihar, where many rely on river transport due to poor road connectivity.
The search operation is expected to continue through the night. The district magistrate has assured that all possible efforts are being made to find the missing persons and provide medical aid to the survivors.
