Gujarat Boat Tragedy: At Least 16 Including School Students, Teachers Die as Boat Capsizes During Picnic

Vadodara: In a devastating incident at Harni Lake in Gujarat’s Vadodara, a boat carrying 27 students from a private school on a picnic overturned. Regrettably, 12 children and two teachers lost their lives in the mishap. Shockingly, none of the students were reportedly wearing life jackets.

The fire brigade swiftly initiated a search operation, rescuing seven students while continuing efforts to locate the missing ones. Vadodara’s Chief Fire Officer, Parth Brahmbhatt, confirmed the ongoing rescue mission.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, announcing a financial aid of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased, along with Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, deeply moved by the tragedy, cancelled his appointments and pledged state support. He announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Vadodara MLA Shailesh Mehta attributed the incident to the boat contractor’s negligence, highlighting overcapacity as a critical factor. He urged the government to take stringent action against the contractor.