A major tragedy struck Vrindavan on Friday afternoon after a steamer carrying around 30 tourists capsized in the Yamuna River, leaving at least 10 people dead and several others missing, officials confirmed.
Boat Capsizes Midstream, Several Feared Missing
According to officials, the vessel overturned midstream, leading to drowning of passengers. The incident triggered immediate panic along the riverbank as rescue teams rushed to the spot.
Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed that the victims died due to drowning following the accident.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
Authorities launched a large-scale rescue operation soon after the incident. Police said 22 passengers have been rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals, though their condition is still being verified.
Officials added that the final number of survivors and missing persons is still under investigation.
All Tourists From Punjab
Preliminary reports suggest that all passengers on board were tourists from Punjab who had visited Vrindavan for religious sightseeing.
Possible Collision With Pontoon Bridge
Mathura DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey stated that the accident occurred around 3:15 pm near a pontoon bridge site on the Yamuna River.
He said initial findings suggest the boat may have collided with the pontoon bridge, leading to the capsizing. Around 25 to 27 people are believed to have been onboard at the time.
So far, 10 bodies have been recovered, while search operations continue for missing passengers.
Massive Multi-Agency Search Operation
Teams from the Police, Fire Services, local divers, and boatmen are engaged in rescue work. NDRF and SDRF teams have also been deployed and are expected to join the operation shortly.
Large crowds gathered on the riverbank as rescue efforts continued late into the evening.
CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Immediate Action
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and directed senior officials to reach the site immediately to supervise rescue and relief operations.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure proper treatment of the injured and support for affected families.
Q1: How many people died in the Vrindavan boat accident?
At least 10 tourists have died due to drowning after the steamer capsized.
Q2: How many passengers were on the boat?
Officials estimate that around 25 to 30 passengers were onboard.
Q3: Where did the accident take place?
The accident occurred in the Yamuna River near a pontoon bridge in Vrindavan, Mathura district.
Q4: Who were the passengers?
All passengers were reportedly tourists from Punjab visiting Vrindavan for sightseeing.
Q5: How many people have been rescued?
Police confirmed that 22 passengers have been rescued and shifted to hospitals.
Q6: What caused the accident?
Preliminary reports suggest the boat may have collided with a pontoon bridge, causing it to overturn. However, investigations are ongoing.
Q7: Which agencies are involved in the rescue operation?
Police, Fire Services, NDRF, SDRF, local divers, and boatmen are involved in the ongoing rescue operations.
