Patna, October 14: A boat capsizing in the Ganges river in the Raghopur Diara area of West Champaran district, Bihar, has left the entire region in mourning after 13 people died. A significant number of the victims are reported to be children. The accident has shattered several families, with scenes of wailing and grief prevailing in the affected households.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening near Rampur Shyam Chand village, when passengers on the boat were crossing the Ganges to attend a wedding reception. During the crossing, the boat lost control and capsized, causing the passengers to fall into the water. Following the accident, local residents initiated rescue efforts on their own and informed the administration.

Upon receiving the news of the accident, police and administrative officials reached the scene. A search for the missing persons in the river was launched with the help of locals, divers, and rescue teams. The rescue operation faced difficulties due to the darkness of night and the condition of the river. Preparations were subsequently made to resume the search for the missing individuals.

The number of fatalities in the accident has been reported as 13, although conflicting reports have emerged regarding the total number of passengers on the boat. Therefore, confirmation of the exact number of passengers and the final status of all individuals' safety is necessary.

Following the accident, local residents alleged that the boat involved was a government vessel and was in a dilapidated condition. This allegation has raised questions about boat maintenance, passenger safety, and administrative oversight. However, official confirmation regarding the boat's ownership, its condition, and the actual cause of the accident is yet to be provided.

Locals stated that boats are the primary means of transport for crossing the river, making regular inspections, the availability of life jackets, and adherence to safety protocols essential. Following the accident, demands have intensified for an impartial investigation into the incident to determine responsibility.

Bihar Chief Minister Smriti Irani expressed deep sorrow over the accident and announced compensation of four lakh rupees each to the families of the deceased. She directed the concerned officials to expedite relief and rescue operations and ensure better treatment for the injured.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences over the accident and announced that two lakh rupees each would be provided to the close family members of the deceased and 50,000 rupees to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. Thus, financial assistance for the victims has been announced by both the state and central governments.

Raghopur MLA and Opposition Leader Tejashwi Yadav expressed sorrow over the accident and contacted local administration to obtain information about relief and rescue operations. He emphasized the need for necessary measures to support the affected families and treat the injured.

On the other hand, Member of Parliament Pappu Yadav also expressed concern over the accident and criticized the government. He stated that he would visit Raghopur to assist the victims. Pappu Yadav also accused the government of being indifferent to the public's hardships.

The Raghopur boat accident has once again raised questions about safe transport arrangements in rural areas dependent on river crossings. If the dilapidated condition of the boat or violation of safety regulations is confirmed, the case could become significant regarding administrative accountability.

Currently, providing compensation to the affected families, obtaining final information about the missing persons, and identifying the root causes of the accident should be the administration's priorities. Locals hope that concrete measures will be taken to ensure the safety of boats operating on the river following this tragedy, so that such painful accidents can be prevented in the future.

The President of the Republic stated in a message on the social media platform X that the news of the death of children in the boat accident in West Champaran district, Bihar, is extremely distressing. He expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

In addition to the President of the Republic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders have also expressed sorrow over the tragedy. The accident has raised important questions regarding safe river transport and boat safety arrangements.