Gujarat boat tragedy: In a horrific accident that occurred on Thursday, the boat carrying sixteen people—including two instructors and fourteen schoolchildren—overturned in the Harni Lake near the Gujarati city of Vadodara. There were 27 pupils on the boat, along with their professors, who were having a picnic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office announced ex gratia; Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel arrived at the location.

According to Gujarat Education Minister Kuber Dindor, members from the fire department and the NDRF have been called in to assist with the search. Chief Fire Officer Parth Brahmbhatt declared there was no one missing during an hours-long rescue mission.

“In the afternoon, a boat filled with schoolchildren who had come for a picnic capsized on Harni Lake. According to Vadodara’s chief fire officer Parth Brahmbhatt, “the fire brigade has so far rescued seven students, while a search is on for the missing ones.” Before the fire department workers arrived, some locals saved a few kids.

Strong action would be taken against the person(s) accountable for the incident, according to Vadodara MP Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt. According to the MP, the saved students were transferred to other hospitals. There was too much cargo for the boat to hold.

“Saddened by the deaths caused by a boat capsize in Vadodara’s Harni Lake. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased during this time of loss. I hope the injured person heals quickly. The impacted parties are receiving every support that the local government can muster. The next of kin of each deceased would receive an ex-gratia payment from PMNRF of ₹2 lakh. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the injured would receive Rs. 50,000.

The families of the youngsters who died were sent condolences by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. “It is tragic that youngsters drowned in Vadodara’s Harni Lake after a boat overturned. I offer prayers for the souls of the defenseless kids who perished. My sincere sympathies are with their families during this difficult time. May the Almighty and Gracious God grant them the fortitude to endure this loss. Right now, efforts are being made to save the teachers and pupils who are trapped on the boat. The chief minister wrote on X that the system has been directed to give the accident victims emergency care and relief.

“The news of the death of many students, including teachers, due to the boat capsizing in Vadodara, Gujarat, is extremely heart-wrenching,” tweeted Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress. In this accident, many pupils are still listed as missing. We are requesting that the administration and government of Gujarat speed relief and rescue efforts and do everything within their power to preserve the lives of the youngsters. We offer our sincere condolences to the deceased families during this time of sorrow.

Vadodara boat accident

Reportedly, the pupils from Panigate’s New Sunrise School were escorted by a few instructors. Around 430 p.m., they arrived at the lake for a picnic and got on a boat.

There were 27 people on the boat, even though it looked like it could only hold 16. Whether they were donning life jackets is yet unknown.

Ex gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF to each deceased person’s next of kin was declared by PM Modi. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel declared that the surviving family members of the deceased would receive ₹4 lakh each, while the injured would receive ₹50,000. The chief minister of Gujarat arrived at the scene of the tragedy in the evening while rescue efforts continued.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/six-school-students-die-as-picnic-boat-overturns-in-lake-in-gujarats-vadodara-101705584131748.html