UP: 4 dead, several missing after boat capsizes in Ganga
What's the story
At least four people died and about two dozen others are missing after a boat capsized in the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district on Monday, PTI reported.
Reportedly, the boat was carrying 40 to 50 people when the incident took place.
Rescue operations are underway in the area while the injured are being treated at the district hospital in Ballia.
Twitter Post
Watch: Incident took place near Maldepur area
VIDEO | Several killed after a boat capsized in river Ganga near Maldepur area of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh earlier today. pic.twitter.com/cSMGZr4wek
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 22, 2023
Details
Boat was transporting guests to 'mundan sanskar' ceremony
According to ETV Bharat, the passengers on the boat were en route to the other end of the Ganga River to attend a special mundan sanskar ceremony when the board capsized.
The boat was reportedly overloaded, causing it to wobble and eventually overturn, throwing the passengers into the river.
As per IANS, rescue operations were also underway with the assistance of local boatmen.
Rescue
Local fishermen rescued struggling victims
Soon after the incident, local fishermen reportedly dived into the river and rescued some of the struggling victims.
According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Police gathered its personnel and divers to conduct a large rescue operation, following which several people were rescued.
However, according to several accounts, over two dozen people are still missing and presumed drowned.
Injured
Bodies of 4 women retrieved
So far, the bodies of four women have been recovered, according to authorities.
Local reports also corroborate the official version of the deaths of four women. They also claimed that three more people were injured in the incident and are being treated in the district hospital.
One of the injured is said to be in critical condition.
Investigation
'Overcrowding' cause of accident, reveals initial investigation
According to a preliminary investigation, the accident took place due to overcrowding.
Officials alleged that the boat was carrying nearly 40 to 50 people, much beyond its recommended capacity.
Meanwhile, the police said the death toll may rise as many people are still missing and might have drowned or been washed away by the currents.