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Patna, Oct 10 (IANS) A day after one person lost his life and five others were feared missing in a tragic boat accident in Bihar’s Aurangabad district, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday expressed deep grief and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
He directed officials to ensure prompt relief and compensation to the families of the victims and to intensify rescue operations for those still missing.
This tragic incident happened on Thursday morning on the banks of Son river near Badem village under Navinagar block.
A boat loaded with villagers returning to their farms capsized in mid-stream, turning their routine journey into a devastating tragedy.
Eyewitnesses said the boat carrying more than a dozen people lost balance due to overcrowding and the strong current of the river.
Within seconds, the ship capsized and everyone on board fell into the surging waters.
While many passengers managed to swim to safety, at least six people drowned, and five of them are missing.
Among the deceased was 21-year-old Tamanna Parveen, daughter of Salim Ansari, resident of Badem village.
His body was recovered first, leaving his family members in mourning.
Local divers and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams reached the spot and started the rescue operation, which continued till Thursday night.
Police and administrative officials also reached the spot and conducted a search operation.
As soon as the tragedy spread, hundreds of villagers gathered on the river bank and the atmosphere was filled with screams of despair.
“Villagers cross the Son river daily to do farming in Diara area or to collect fodder for their animals. Such accidents happen frequently, but this time the damage is unbearable,” said a local resident.
The banks of Son river had turned into a scene of mourning.
The district administration confirmed that rescue operations are still underway to trace the missing villagers.
The authorities have started the process of providing ex-gratia to the victims’ families and have ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident.
–IANS
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