In a tragic incident on Tuesday, six people lost their lives as a boat carrying local residents and school children capsized in the Jhelum river near Gandbal-Batwara area of Srinagar.
Thanks to a swift response from the river police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF saw five people were rescued from the river.
Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar said, “Six people have died, the boat was ferrying 15 people. Among them, seven were minors and eight were adults. 12 people were rescued, of whom six died and three are still missing. Those rescued are being treated and are stable.”
Dr Sameena, ZMO (Zonal Medical Officer) Batmaloo said, “Our team have been here since morning. SDRF, NDRF plus the forces are here. We’re trying to retrieve the bodies. Some of the injured people have been shifted to SMHS.”
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said she was shocked to know about the loss of lives in the tragic boat capsize incident in Ganderbal. She urged the administration to extend all possible help.
National Conference patron and former CM Farooq Abdullah also expressed his grief on the loss of lives. He blamed the government for not being able to complete the construction of the bridge which had been started during the NC government of Omar.
Expressing deep sorrow, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured comprehensive support to those affected. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to providing medical care to the injured and aid to the families coping with loss.
Efforts by river police and other agencies managed to rescue several individuals, who were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. As per the latest updates from officials, six fatalities have been confirmed while others are receiving medical attention.
The administration has initiated an investigation into the tragic incident, with a case registered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the boat capsizing.
(With Agency inputs)