Gujarat boat accident: Twelve students and two teachers lost their lives when a boat overturned in Harni Lake near Vadodara city in Gujarat on Thursday. State minister Harsh Sanghavi reported that 18 students and two teachers were successfully rescued.
Initially, the PSO of Harni police station had reported a toll of 16, including 14 students and two teachers. The tragic incident unfolded during an afternoon picnic on the ill-fated boat.
“Twelve students and two teachers lost their lives in the boat capsizing incident. A total of 18 students and two teachers were successfully rescued. It has been revealed that only 10 students on board were wearing life jackets, indicating a fault on the part of the organizers,” stated Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Sanghavi, addressing reporters.
Following the tragic incident of a boat capsizing at Harni Lake in Vadodara, Gujarat, authorities have taken swift action.
An FIR has been registered under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code.
Two individuals have been apprehended, and additional teams are actively pursuing other suspects.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, accompanied by State Minister for Home Harsh Sanghavi, promptly visited Janvi Hospital and the state-run SSG Hospital to meet survivors and the families of the deceased.
The Chief Minister closely monitored the ongoing rescue operations, which involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the local fire brigade, and other agencies.
According to NDRF officials, four individuals are still missing, and search and rescue operations continue with the utilization of deep divers, SONAR, and underwater cameras.
Expressing deep distress over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the social media platform X, stating, “Distressed by the loss of lives 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 Prime Minister assured that the local administration is providing all possible assistance. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Notably, only 10 students on board were reportedly wearing life jackets, raising concerns about the organizers’ responsibility.
The Chief Minister’s visit to hospitals and his close monitoring of the ongoing rescue operations highlight the government’s commitment to providing support and assistance to the affected families.
As search and rescue efforts endure for the missing individuals in the Gujarat boat accident, the community mourns the loss of lives and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of financial assistance further underscores the government’s commitment to aiding the victims’ families during this difficult time.
Vadodara’s Chief Fire Officer, Parth Brahmbhatt, mentioned that some individuals were rescued by residents before official agencies arrived at the boat capsizing site. Following the tragic incident of the Gujarat boat accident, the Gujarat government initiated a high-level probe, directing the Vadodara district collector to submit an inquiry report within 10 days.
The state home department issued a notification instructing the collector to conduct a detailed investigation into the reasons and circumstances leading to the tragedy, examining possible negligence by the contractor or any official and suggesting measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Chief Minister of Gujarat announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Gujarat’s Education Minister, Kuber Dindor, ordered a probe upon learning that the boat exceeded its stipulated capacity and students were not wearing life jackets. Dindor expressed intentions to take action against those found responsible for the lapses.
A preliminary investigation of the Gujarat boat accident revealed that the boat, pulled from the muddy waters, had only 14 seats.
The vicinity around Harni Lake witnessed a surge in activity with distressed parents and locals gathering after news of the tragedy spread. Some parents were fortunate to have their children rescued, while others mourned the loss of loved ones.
Witnesses recounted their experiences, with one man expressing gratitude for the rescue of his son and another grieving the death of his daughter.
Mukesh Khavdu, a resident, played a crucial role as one of the first responders. Hearing the cries for help, he jumped into the water and rescued four children from the overturned boat.
The rescue operation involved various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force, Fire Brigade, and ambulances, with senior officials, including Collector AB Gor, overseeing the efforts.
