Boat Capsizes in Bihar's Baghmati River, 10 Missing Including Children and Women

Patna: At least 10 persons, including children and women, went missing when a boat capsised in the Baghmati River in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur under the Gaighat police station on Thursday.

Reports indicate that 20 persons have been successfully rescued, while a search operation is underway to locate several others. The precise count of passengers remains uncertain, but sources indicate that approximately 30 people, primarily school children, were on board when the accident occurred.

In response to the incident, dedicated teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) mobilised for an immediate rescue operation.

"Our team swiftly arrived at the scene following reports of a boat carrying 25-30 children and other civilians falling in the Baghmati River. It has been reported that approximately 10-12 individuals are still unaccounted for,” said officials involved in the rescue operation.

Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Pranav Kumar, briefing reporters, said, "The rescue operation is now underway, and officials have been instructed to establish a presence in the area and provide assistance to those affected."

Local residents shed light on the circumstances, explaining that the children were using the ill-fated boat to cross the river on their way to school. They lamented, "The children rely on this boat as there are no other means of crossing the river. We have long been advocating for a bridge in the area, but no action has been taken thus far."

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assured that officials are stationed near the accident site. He stated, "The district administration is maintaining constant communication with the affected individuals, and the rescue operation is actively ongoing. The state government remains committed to offering comprehensive support and assistance to the affected families."