Boat Capsizing Incident: Twin Brothers, Mother Among 7 Victims As Death Toll Expected To Go Up

Srinagar: At least seven individuals among over two dozen occupants, who were being ferried in a boat, have lost their lives after the vessel moored by a rope capsized in Jhelum River near Soiteng, Gandbal here, rendering it in two parts, as per eye witnesses.

A couple of eye witnesses said that the boat, which was carrying around 20-26 persons, overturned in Jhelum waters after its rope snapped.

“Around four persons managed to get out of the water when the incident happened and other occupants, mostly school children, drowned,” they said.

It was learnt that around seven persons, including twin brothers and their mother have died in the incident so far. “Three other persons, who were rescued, have been hospitalised and in critical condition.”

The rescue operation carried out by SDRF, NDRF, Army and Police is underway to retrieve bodies of other occupants and is being monitored by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and SSP Srinagar.

The tragic incident came after incessant rainfall in J&K led the Jhelum River and water bodies to flow in full spate.

Meanwhile, LG J&K Manoj Sinha while expressing grief over the incident said, “I am deeply grieved by the loss of lives due to a boat accident in Srinagar. My thoughts are with the bereaved families & I pray to the Almighty to give them strength to withstand this immense loss. Team of SDRF, Army & other agencies are carrying out relief & rescue work.”

“Administration is providing all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones and medical facilities to those who have been injured. Marcos teams have also been alerted. I am constantly monitoring the situation and guiding the team on the ground,” he added in a post on X. (CNS)