AHMEDABAD: Tragedy struck in western India on Thursday as a boat capsized, claiming the lives of at least 15 individuals, including 13 children. The incident unfolded in Gujarat state, where a group of students was en route to a school-organized picnic. The tragic event prompted a frantic search for survivors around the lake near Vadodara city, where the boat met its unfortunate fate.
Hospital superintendent Ranjan Aiyer confirmed the grim toll, stating, “The total death toll is 15.” Additional hospital officials, who opted not to disclose their names, revealed that among the victims were children as young as 10, accompanied by two of their teachers. The cause of the accident remains unclear, with reports suggesting that 27 individuals were believed to be on board.
Expressing condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed, “My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected.” Fatal boat accidents are unfortunately not uncommon on Indian waterways, with a previous incident last year claiming the lives of 22 people when a double-decker tourist boat capsized in the southern state of Kerala. Survivors from that tragedy revealed that many passengers were not wearing life jackets.
