In a tragic incident at least 16 people died as boat, carrying 27 students, capsized in Vadodara, Gujarat on Thursday. According to officials, the school group including students and teachers were on a picnic.
A search operation is underway at Harni lake to find the remaining students. "Till now, 14 children and two teachers have died in the tragedy. One student, who was rescued, is undergoing treatment at SSG Hospital," said an official of the Harni Police Station.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the fire brigade personnel are at the site. So far, 19 students and four teachers were pulled out and rushed to various hospitals.
A search operation is currently on for the rest of the missing children. A preliminary probe by the authorities revealed that the boat, which was pulled out of the mud, has only 14 seats.
According to the NDRF, the sludge at the bottom of the lake is making the rescue efforts difficult.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is "distressed" by the loss of lives. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF was announced to the next of kin of each deceased. While Rs 50,000 to those injured in the incident.
Distressed by the loss of lives due to a boat capsizing at the Harni lake in Vadodara. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2024
An ex-gratia…
According to adodara's chief fire officer Parth Brahmbhatt, few local residents rescued some children before the fire brigade personnel reached the spot.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed condolences to the families. Taking to X, Patel said "The incident of children drowning after the boat capsized in Vadodara's Harani lake is extremely heartbreaking. I pray for the peace of the souls of the innocent children who lost their lives."
"My deepest condolences to his family in this hour of sorrow. May the Merciful God give them the strength to bear this sorrow...The rescue operation of the students and teachers on board the boat is currently going on. The system has been instructed to provide immediate relief and treatment to the victims of the accident," he said.
