Tragic Capsizing at Bargi Dam: Six Confirmed Dead
A devastating incident unfolded at Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district on Thursday evening when a tourist cruise boat capsized, resulting in the loss of at least six lives. The boat, which was carrying approximately 40 to 45 passengers, overturned due to a sudden storm and strong winds, leaving 19 individuals rescued and at least 15 still unaccounted for. Rescue operations have been ongoing, with teams working tirelessly through the night to locate the missing passengers.
Rescue Efforts Intensify Amid Adverse Conditions
The tragic accident occurred about 300 meters from the dam’s embankment, prompting immediate action from local authorities. Anjul Mishra, the City Superintendent of Police, reported that the abrupt weather change caused the boat to lose stability and capsize. Rescue operations, spearheaded by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police, faced significant challenges due to darkness and intermittent rain. Despite these obstacles, teams utilized powerful searchlights to aid their efforts.
In a remarkable development, SDRF personnel managed to breach the hull of the submerged vessel using gas cutters, successfully rescuing a passenger who had been trapped inside for nearly three hours. The sunken boat, built in 2006 and capable of accommodating 60 passengers, has been secured with ropes as efforts to retrieve it from the water continue. Officials emphasized that the rescue operation is being conducted on a war footing, with coordinated underwater and surface searches to locate those still missing.
In response to the tragedy, the district administration has established a control room at the Collector’s office in Jabalpur to assist families and provide updates. A helpline number, 0761-2624355, has been activated for this purpose. Virendra Singh has been appointed to oversee the control room, and authorities are urging families to utilize this facility for information regarding missing persons. Public Works Department Minister Rakesh Singh visited the site to assess the situation and commended the local administration and SDRF for their prompt response.
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Government Support for Victims’ Families
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased. Additionally, the state government is ensuring comprehensive medical support for the injured. Singh expressed the government’s commitment to assisting affected families during this difficult time, stating that efforts are being made to deliver swift relief and support to all victims.
As rescue operations continue overnight, authorities remain focused on locating the missing passengers. The community is rallying together in support of those impacted by this tragic event, with hopes for a successful resolution to the ongoing search efforts.
