11 Dead, Including 8 Children, as Boat Capsizes in Bihar’s Vaishali; Rs 4 Lakh Aid Announced

At least 11 people, including eight children, died after a boat carrying passengers capsized in the Ganga River in Bihar’s Vaishali district, triggering a rescue operation and prompting the state government to announce an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the family of each deceased person.

The accident occurred near Rampur Shyamchand village in the Raghopur police station area on Tuesday when the passengers were reportedly travelling to attend a feast. Preliminary information suggested that between 15 and 20 people were aboard the boat when it overturned.

Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh said most of those who died were minors. Several passengers were rescued, while around half a dozen people were reported injured and taken for medical treatment.

District police officials and a team of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to assist with rescue efforts. Search operations continued to locate anyone who might still be missing and establish the circumstances leading to the accident. The exact number of passengers on board and the final casualty figures were yet to be officially confirmed.

The tragedy prompted reactions from political leaders in Bihar. Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav expressed grief over the incident and said he had spoken with local residents and administrative officials. He urged the authorities to accelerate rescue operations and ensure timely medical assistance for the injured.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as tragic and heartbreaking. The state government announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh for each deceased person’s family and directed officials to expedite relief and rescue work and provide appropriate treatment to the injured.

The administration is continuing rescue operations and efforts to establish the full details of the accident as further information emerges.