Madhya Pradesh: The number of fatalities in the cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh has increased to 12 after rescue teams recovered the body of a young child on Sunday, officials confirmed. One person is still unaccounted for as search operations continue.
The mishap occurred earlier this week when a tourist vessel capsized during severe weather conditions in the reservoir area of Jabalpur. Authorities said the boat, reportedly operated under the state tourism department, overturned amid strong winds and rough waters.
Police officials stated that the latest recovery was of a five-year-old victim, while efforts are ongoing to locate a missing individual believed to be associated with a local ordnance facility. Rescue teams have expanded their search zone, scanning deep sections of the water body.
A large-scale operation is underway involving personnel from the Army, the National Disaster Response Force, and the State Disaster Response Force, along with local divers. Teams are combing a wide radius, focusing on depths ranging between 40 and 50 feet.
Initial findings suggest that over 40 people were on board at the time of the accident, with more than two dozen rescued soon after the vessel capsized.
In response to the tragedy, the state government has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident. Officials have also taken disciplinary action against crew members and temporarily halted similar cruise operations across the region pending safety reviews.
