Vadodara boat tragedy: Death toll at 16, rescue efforts on in India's Gujarat

At least 16 people including school children died when a boat capsized in a lake in the Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday (January 18). The death toll in the tragedy that took place atVadodara city's Harni Motnath Lake is likely to rise., while the state authoritiescontinued with the rescue effort.Gujarat State Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has taken serious note of the tragedy and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

According to Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel,10 people have been rescued so far.

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The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has also taken cognizance of the incident and has announced a compensation of Rs 200,000 (about USD 2400) to the next of kin of thedeceased and Rs 50,000 (USD 600) for those injured.

According to media reports,the boat was carrying 27 students and some teachers when the tragedy struck.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of Indian National Congress said the incident was 'heart-wrenching'. He appealed the state authorities to expedite steps to provide relief.

"The news of the death of many students, including teachers, due to the boat capsizing in Vadodara, Gujarat is extremely heart-wrenching. Many students are still reported missing in this accident. The Gujarat government and administration are requested to expedite the relief and rescue operations and make every possible effort to save the lives of the students. In this hour of grief, we stand with the bereaved families and express our deepest condolences," Kharge said in a post on X made in Hindi.

Ranjanaben Dhananjay Bhatt, the Member of Parliament from Vadodara vowed action against those responsible.

"The NDRF team is carrying out the rescue operation. The children have been taken to different hospitals. Strict action will be taken in this matter," she said.

(More to follow as fresh details emerge)