13 Dead, Mostly Children, After Boat Capsizes in India’s Bihar

PATNA, Oct 14: At least 13 people, most of them children, died after a boat capsized in Vaishali district of India’s eastern Bihar state, officials said late Tuesday.

Thirteen bodies have been recovered so far, while seven people have been rescued, senior civil official Varsha Singh told reporters. Rescue operations were continuing, she said.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said he had directed the administration to expedite rescue and relief operations and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.

Local legislator and Bihar opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav said the children had travelled by boat to attend a feast when the incident occurred.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the loss of lives as “deeply painful” and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

“My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this difficult time. I pray for the speedy recovery of all those injured. The local administration is assisting those affected,” Modi said in a post on X.

Rescue teams continued their efforts following the tragedy, with further details about the victims and the circumstances of the capsizing awaited.