Boat Capsizes on Ganga River, Killing 13 Children

Rescuers recovered 13 dead children from India's Ganges river after an overloaded boat capsized en route to a Hindu festival.

The boat overturned late Tuesday in Vaishali district, eastern Bihar state. Locals used mobile phones and torches to search for survivors in the dark. Ravi Yadav, a villager involved in the rescue, stated that the boat was small and not in good condition, carrying people crammed onto a vessel suitable for only a few. Six people were pulled out alive, including two children reported to be in critical condition.

Medic Nirmal Kumar confirmed 13 deaths, with four children and two adults sent to the district hospital. Vaishali district magistrate Varsha Singh also confirmed the recovery of 13 bodies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief, calling the tragedy deeply painful and announcing compensation for the bereaved families. Boat accidents are common in India, often attributed to overcrowding, lax safety enforcement, and inadequate life-saving equipment.