0
0
Tragedy unfolded in western India as a boat capsized on Thursday, claiming the lives of at least 10 individuals, including nine children.
The incident occurred in Gujarat state, where students were on a school-organized picnic. The search for more missing individuals is underway, prompting a frantic effort around the lake in Vadodara district where the boat overturned.
The victims, including children as young as 10, along with a teacher, a hospital staffer, and a district official engaged in rescue operations, remain unnamed, according to sources. The community is grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event.
The cause of the incident remains unclear, but it is reported that 27 people were believed to be on board, as stated by a district official.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “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.”
Vadodara municipal commissioner Dilip Rana confirmed the toll to AFP but did not offer additional details about the victims.
Tragically, fatal boat accidents are not uncommon on Indian waterways. In a similar incident last year, at least 22 people lost their lives when a double-decker tourist boat capsized in the southern state of Kerala. Survivors from that incident reported that many passengers were not wearing life jackets.
