As many as 11 people, including children, were killed after a boat carrying around 20 people capsized in the Ganga River in Bihar's Vaishali district on Tuesday. Most of the victims were reportedly children who were travelling to a neighbouring village to attend a feast.
The incident took place near Rampur Shyamchand village in the Raghopur area. According to reports, the group was crossing the river when the boat overturned, throwing the passengers into the water.
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Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.
“The news of the innocent lives lost in the boat accident in Raghoopur, Vaishali, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. In this difficult time, my deepest condolences are with the bereaved families,” Choudhary said.
"The news of the innocent lives lost in the boat accident in Raghoopur, Vaishali, is extremely heartbreaking and soul-wrenching. In this difficult time, my deepest condolences are with the bereaved families," Choudhary wrote on X.
"May God grant peace to the departed souls and provide the families with the strength to bear this immense sorrow", he added.
वैशाली के राघोपुर में नाव हादसे में मासूमों की मृत्यु का समाचार अत्यंत दुखद और हृदयविदारक है। इस कठिन समय में मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं शोकाकुल परिजनों के साथ हैं। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्माओं को शांति दें एवं परिजनों को यह भारी दुःख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें। राज्य सरकार की ओर से मृतकों के परिजनों को ₹4-4 लाख की आर्थिक सहायता (अनुग्रह राशि) दी जाएगी। प्रशासन को राहत-बचाव कार्य तेजी से पूरा करने और घायलों के बेहतर इलाज के निर्देश दिए गए हैं। ॐ शांति! ????
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) October 13, 2026
Rescue Operations Underway
Soon after the incident was reported, senior district officials, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, rushed to the spot to assess the situation and oversee rescue operations, reported News 18.
People rescued from the river were being taken to Narayan Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) for medical assistance.
The administration has been directed to complete rescue and relief operations swiftly and ensure proper treatment for the injured.
Questions Over Boat Safety Restrictions
The incident has also raised concerns over the enforcement of safety restrictions on the Ganga. The administration had reportedly prohibited the operation of private boats due to the rising water level in the river.
However, boats were allegedly still being used to ferry people across the river despite the restrictions.
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Bihar Government Announces Rs 4 Lakh Ex Gratia
The Chief Minister of Bihar has announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of those who died in the accident.
"From the state government, an economic assistance of Rs 4-4 lakh (ex gratia amount) will be provided to the families of the deceased. Instructions have been given to the administration to swiftly complete relief and rescue operations and ensure better treatment for the injured," Samrat Choudhary added.
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