According to the latest update shared by Raghopur MLA and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, six people have been admitted to the hospital, while three others have been rescued safely. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation, with further details about the circumstances of the accident and the identities of those affected awaited.
Preliminary reports indicated that some children had boarded the boat to attend a feast and were returning when the vessel overturned in the river. Initial reports had suggested that between five and eight people may have died.
Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh had initially confirmed 11 deaths to India Today. However, Tejashwi Yadav later stated that 14 bodies had been recovered, raising the reported death toll as further information emerged about the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive Rs 50,000, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said.
In a post on X, the PMO said, "The loss of lives in the boat capsizing incident in Vaishali, Bihar, is deeply painful. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured. The local administration is assisting those affected."
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also expressed grief over the deaths and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said, "The news of the deaths of innocent lives in the boat accident at Raghopur in Vaishali is extremely sad and heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families during this difficult time. May God grant peace to the departed souls and give the families the strength to bear this immense grief".
He added that the state government would provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to each bereaved family. Instructions have also been issued to the administration to expedite relief and rescue operations and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the boat capsizing incident on the Ganga in Vaishali district.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the boat capsizing incident in the River Ganga in Vaishali district, Bihar," the Vice-President said.
Offering condolences to the bereaved families, he prayed that they find the strength to cope with their loss and expressed concern for those who may still be missing.
"My prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy. I also pray for the safety of those still missing," he said.
Tejashwi Yadav, whose assembly constituency includes the area where the tragedy occurred, also expressed grief over the incident. In a post on X in Hindi, he said, "Distressing news has been received regarding a boat capsize in the Raghopur Diara area. Most of those who drowned are children. May God keep everyone safe".
After receiving information about the accident, Yadav said he spoke with Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh. He added that, after consulting local residents, the administration and officials, instructions had been issued to expedite relief, rescue and medical treatment operations.
Yadav also expressed condolences to the families who lost their children in the accident.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of people travelling by boat across the river. With 14 bodies reportedly recovered, six people hospitalised and three rescued safely, authorities are continuing to assess the situation. Details about the circumstances leading to the capsizing, the identities of the victims and the status of any people who may still be missing remain awaited.
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