2 Dead, Multiple Missing As Boat Capsizes in Odisha’s Hirakud Dam; CM Announces ₹4L Ex-Gratia

Bhubaneswar: In a tragic incident today, a boat capsized in Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district, resulting in the death of 2 individuals, while six individuals remain missing. The mishap occurred near Sarada Ghat within Rengali police limits during the afternoon.

Reports indicate that the ferry, carrying approximately 50 passengers from Patharseni Kuda, met with the accident. Nearby fishermen were able to rescue around 35 passengers, but several others are still unaccounted for.

Upon receiving information, local authorities including police and fire services personnel immediately initiated search operations. Seven additional individuals were located during the search efforts.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed condolences for the loss of two lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for each bereaved family. The passengers, hailing from Chhattisgarh, were en route to Ambavona block in Odisha when the tragedy unfolded.

In response to the incident, the Chief Minister directed the dispatch of five scuba divers and two search cameras to aid in locating the missing persons. Furthermore, he urged Chief Secretary PK Jena and Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu to ensure seamless coordination for rescue efforts and immediate medical attention for those rescued from the dam.