New Delhi: A tragic boat accident in the Yamuna River near Vrindavan has claimed at least 10 lives, while several passengers remain unaccounted for, officials said.
The incident took place close to Kesi Ghat when a tourist boat carrying more than two dozen people, mostly visitors from Punjab, reportedly drifted into deeper waters on Friday and struck floating pontoon debris in the river.
Authorities said a pontoon bridge in the area had recently been removed due to rising water levels, leaving behind structural drums in the river. One of these submerged or floating components is suspected to have been hit by the vessel, leading to the capsizing, according to media reports.
District officials confirmed that the death toll initially stood at six before rescue teams recovered four additional bodies, taking the total fatalities to 10. Medical staff at the Vrindavan Joint Hospital stated that the deceased included six men and four women.
Rescue operations are continuing with teams from the State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force, supported by around 50 local divers. Officials said 16 to 17 people have been rescued so far, while efforts are underway to trace those still missing.
District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh earlier confirmed the fatalities and said all passengers on board were tourists from Punjab. Emergency teams remain deployed at the site as search operations continue.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
Modi expressed his deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic accident. In a post on X, he said he is praying for the speedy recovery of those injured in the mishap.
He also noted that the local administration is actively providing all possible assistance to those affected and is working on relief and support measures for the victims and their families.
Modi also announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.
