Rescuers recovered the bodies of 13 children from India's Ganges river after an overloaded boat capsized while en route to a Hindu festival, officials said Wednesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the "deeply painful" tragedy.
The boat overturned late Tuesday in the Vaishali district of eastern Bihar state, prompting locals to launch a desperate rescue effort in the dark, using mobile phone lights to locate victims. "It was dark when we suddenly heard children screaming and crying for help," said Ravi Yadav, a local villager who participated in the rescue.
"We managed to save only three children using mobile phone lights and torches." Another villager, Ramlakhan Rai, noted that the vessel was small, in poor condition, and dangerously overcrowded. "It is devastating; a few families have lost all their children," he added.
Six survivors were pulled from the water, including two children in critical condition. Medical officer Nirmal Kumar confirmed that despite efforts to revive the victims, 13 children were already dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh oversaw the rescue operations. Prime Minister Modi announced financial compensation for the bereaved families, while authorities noted that such accidents remain common on Indian waterways due to overcrowding and a lack of safety enforcement.
The incident has sparked a debate regarding the lack of life jackets and safety protocols on small, privately operated vessels in rural India. Local police have initiated an investigation into the boat operator for negligence.
As the community mourns, the state government has promised a thorough inquiry into the licensing and maintenance of boats operating in the region. The tragedy highlights the persistent risks faced by rural populations relying on river transport.
The rescue operation concluded early Wednesday morning as the last of the missing persons were accounted for. The bodies have been handed over to the families after post-mortem examinations.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for stricter maritime regulations in the country. The local administration is now focusing on providing psychological support to the grieving families.
The state government has also announced a review of all river crossing points in Bihar to ensure that safety standards are met to prevent future occurrences of such heart-wrenching disasters.