Around 20 youths and children were on board. (Image-Social Media)
PATNA: At least 10 people drowned after a boat carrying around 15 to 20 people, capsized in the Ganga in Rampur Shyamchand panchayat under Raghopur police station area in Vaishali district on Tuesday night.The bodies of five victims have been recovered. The passengers, mostly children and young men, were travelling to attend a feast at the house of Singheshwar Rai near Mata Maharani Sthan in Bhagatan Tola when the small boat capsized midstream at around 8.30pm.After receiving information, locals rushed to the spot and launched rescue efforts.Several people were pulled out of the water and taken to the primary health centre at Raghopur Fatehpur for treatment.Police and administrative officials reached the spot after being informed about the incident.An SDRF team, along with local divers, launched a rescue operation as efforts continued to trace those missing. Vaishali SP Shubhank Mishra, who also rushed to the spot, confirmed that five bodies had been pulled out of the river.He told this newspaper around four to five people were still missing.RJD leader and Raghopur MLA Tejashwi Yadav expressed grief over the incident.
In a post on X, he said, "We have received the unfortunate and tragic news of a boat capsizing in the Raghopur Diyara area. Most of those who drowned are children. May God keep everyone safe. After discussions with local people, the administration, and officials, instructions have been given to expedite relief, rescue, and treatment operations."