NEW DELHI: A boat carrying a group of devotees capsized in the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura on Friday afternoon, leaving at least six people dead while rescue operations remain underway.According to officials, the accident occurred near Kesi Ghat when one of two boats carrying around 30 people suddenly sank in the river.“Today, a very unfortunate accident occurred at around 2.45 pm here in the Yamuna River. Around 30 people from Ludhiana had come and were boating in two boats on the river. The incident took place near Kesi Ghat, where one of the boats sank,” athura District Magistrate CP Singh told IANS.“So far, six bodies have been recovered, while around 16 to 17 people have been rescued alive…” Singh added.Rescue teams including local authorities and emergency services, are continuing search operations to trace those still missing.UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the loss of lives stating that the, “loss of lives in the tragic boat capsizing incident in Mathura district is profoundly distressing and heart-rending.”“My condolences are with the bereaved families. I have directed the concerned officials to reach the site immediately, conduct rescue and relief operations, and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured,” the CM posted on X.“I pray to Lord Shri Ram that he grant eternal peace to the departed souls, strength to the grieving families to bear this immense sorrow, and a swift recovery to the injured,” he added.Earlier in the day, another boat incident was reported from Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district, where a vessel capsized in the Narmada river, police said. The accident occurred while pilgrims were performing the circumambulation of the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga, Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rai said. However, all 10 pilgrims on board were rescued safely.
