Vaishali: At least 13 children aged 15 or below died after a boat capsized in the Ganga river in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Tuesday evening, October 13. Seven people were rescued, officials said, as emergency teams continued efforts following the tragedy.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm near Rampur Shyamchand village in the Raghopur area. According to Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh, the boat was carrying around 15–20 children who were travelling to a neighbouring village to attend a feast.
The victims were taken to hospitals, while a team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local divers participated in the rescue operation.
How Did The Boat Accident Happen In Bihar’s Vaishali?
According to the district administration, the boat capsized while passengers were travelling across the Ganga to attend a feast in a neighbouring village.
The accident triggered an emergency response, with local residents and rescue personnel helping search for those who had fallen into the river.
The precise cause of the capsize has not been officially established. Authorities have been working to determine whether anyone else remains missing.
How Many Children Died And How Many Were Rescued?
District Magistrate Varsha Singh confirmed that 13 children aged 15 or below had been found dead. Seven people were rescued and taken for medical treatment, with their condition reported as stable in the initial update.
The SDRF and local divers were deployed to assist with the search and rescue efforts.
Some subsequent reports have carried differing figures about the total number of passengers and people still missing. The final toll and the number of people who were on the boat will depend on the administration’s confirmed figures.
What Compensation Have PM Modi And Bihar CM Announced?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of life and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
- Rs 2 lakh: For the next of kin of each person who died.
- Rs 50,000: For each injured person.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased person. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations and ensure proper medical care for survivors.
What Happens Next In The Vaishali Boat Tragedy?
Rescue teams have been working to establish the full number of people affected by the accident and determine whether anyone else is missing.
The district administration is coordinating the response, while officials are expected to establish the circumstances that led to the boat capsizing.
The tragedy has left families and residents of the area grieving, with the focus remaining on rescue efforts, treatment for survivors and assistance for the affected families.
