1. Odisha boat tragedy: 4 dead as vessel capsizes with 50 aboard in Mahanadi river.
2. Search ongoing for missing passengers after boat tragedy in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district.
3. Boat capsizing in Odisha prompts ongoing rescue mission in Mahanadi river.
Jharsuguda, April 20: Tragedy struck in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district as a boat, carrying approximately 50 passengers, capsized in the Mahanadi river, claiming the lives of at least four individuals. The search and rescue operation, which commenced immediately, continues to locate those still missing.
According to senior police officer Chintamani Pradhan, seven individuals remain unaccounted for, adding to the urgency of the ongoing rescue efforts.
The ill-fated boat embarked on its journey from Bargarh district’s Bandhipali area. However, midway through its course, it succumbed to turbulent waters, leading to the tragic accident near Saradha Ghat in Jharsuguda.
Addressing the media late into the night, District Collector Kartikeya Goyal disclosed that the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) spearheads the search operation.
Also Read: Assam Lok Sabha Polls: Over 70% Voter Turnout in All 5 Seats, Kaziranga Leads
Supported by the Jharsuguda district administration and the state government, efforts persist to retrieve those missing.
Goyal also mentioned the forthcoming assistance from scuba divers dispatched from Bhubaneshwar to bolster the search operation. Amidst the chaos, 48 individuals have been successfully rescued, with endeavors underway to reunite them with their families.
Responding to queries regarding the operational challenges during nighttime, the District Collector acknowledged the difficulty but remained optimistic.
Assuring the public, he lauded the expertise of the ODRAF divers equipped with night light gear, poised for another concerted effort.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik promptly announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, offering solace in the wake of tragedy.
However, amidst the grief, allegations surfaced from local BJP leader Suresh Pujari, questioning the boat’s legality.
Pujari cited the absence of a valid license and fitness certificate, alongside the lack of a lifeguard, as contributing factors.
Moreover, he contended that the boat was overcrowded, surpassing its designated capacity.
In response, district authorities vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, ensuring accountability and addressing safety concerns to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
