More than half of the people travelling in a boat in Patna died after it capsized in river Ganga.
Highlights
- 24, including minors, killed as boat capsized in river Ganga in Patna
- Boat with 40 onboard reportedly overturned due to overcrowding
- PM Modi has ordered compensation for the families of the victims
Divers have recovered 24 bodies, including that of minors, after a boat ferrying 40 capsized in the Ganga river in Bihar's Patna. Many were rescued and the search for missing persons resumed in morning.
Of those rescued, six people have been admitted in the Patna Medical College and Hospital.
People had gathered at Patna's Ganga Diara to witness a three-day kite festival which is held every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The vessel, which had taken people for a free ride from the ganga ghat, was reportedly overcrowded and capsized at around 6 pm.
In dramatic visuals shot by locals who gathered at the shore, rescuers could be seen diving to save the people. Locals are also seen approaching the spot on other boats to help.
Mr Aggarwal said the boat capsized either due to overloading or mid-water collision with another country boat.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has asked Patna District Magistrate Sanjay KumarAggarwal to look into the lapses that led to the incident. He has also ordered the district administration to provide compensation to the families of the dead.
"PM expressed grief on the loss of lives caused by the boat tragedy in Bihar. He extended condolences to the bereaved families," PM's office said in a tweet.
Further festivities in the Ganga Diara area have been called off.
(With inputs from agencies)