In a devastating incident on Thursday, a boat capsized in Harni Lake, Vadodara city, claiming the lives of at least 12 pupils and two teachers.
Parents of the school students involved have raised serious concerns, alleging that their children were “not given life jackets” during the ill-fated boat ride.
Authorities have initiated search operations to locate the remaining victims, with 18 students and two teachers having been rescued so far and receiving treatment at a nearby hospital. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
While the cause of the tragedy remains under investigation, eyewitnesses report that the boat was overcrowded, exceeding its capacity of 14 passengers. Many parents blame the authorities for compromising safety norms and putting their children’s lives at risk.
Federal minister Harsh Sanghvi revealed that only 10 students on the boat were wearing life jackets, indicating a failure to provide sufficient safety gear for the majority of passengers.
Related Posts
- 126 Refugees Rescued in Mediterranean as Humanity 1 Intercepts Distressed Boat
- Court Sentences Kenyan Cult Leader, 94 Followers For Starving Hundreds to Deaths
Parents, gathered near the lake, express anger and grief, demanding accountability for what they perceive as negligence on the part of the system, government, and the school. Some alleged that they were not informed about the boat ride or the incident itself.
The Gujarat government has ordered an inquiry into the tragic incident, seeking a report within 10 days. The blame has been placed on the boat operator and contractor by Mr. Sanghvi, who emphasized that this cannot be considered a mere “mistake.”
Boat accidents are unfortunately not uncommon in India, where vessels often face issues of overcrowding, poor maintenance, and lack of safety equipment. The incident in Vadodara has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved safety measures in maritime activities across the country.
