Boat capsizes near NIT ghat, 21 die

Speed Post News Network

Patna: A boat ferrying people from riverine belt of Ganga from Hajipur side to Patna capsized close to NIT Ghat in Patna on January 14 evening. According to reports, over 40 persons were feared drowned in the incident. Twentyone bodies have been fished out so far, according to official sources. Rescue operation by NDRF team is neon. Rescue team  was seen throwing life belts into the river to save the people .

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has ordered a probe into the incident. The CM has directed Disaster Management Department Secretary Pratay Amrit, Central range DIG Shalin and Patna SSP to camp at the rescue operation site. He also directed Patna DM Sanjay Agarwal to arrange for ex-gatia payment to the victims. CM Nitish Kumar expressed his shock and grief over the tragedy. Bihar State Tourism Department had organized a Kite Festival in Sabalpur diara on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. A large number of people had gone there from Patna to participate in it.

Over 40 persons were on the boat when it capsized. NDRF men saved several persons and admitted them to PMCH. The condition of several persons is stated to be critical. Locals said that the district administration had not made elaborate arrangements for the occasion and this forced the people to ride in the boat in large number. Patna DM Sanjay Agarwal, City SP Chandan Kushwaha and other senior officials reached the ghat. A large number of people were still in the riverine belt. Boats have been sent there to bring the people back from there.