On Thursday, a tragic incident unfolded as a boat capsized in Harni Lake on the outskirts of Vadodara city, Gujarat, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 students and two teachers. State Minister Harsh Sanghavi confirmed that 18 students and two teachers were successfully rescued from the ill-fated boat, which was carrying them on a picnic.
In response to this devastating tragedy, an FIR has been filed under sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Indian Penal Code, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Authorities are actively working to apprehend other individuals involved.
Later in the evening, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the scene of the incident, accompanied by Sanghavi. They also visited Janvi Hospital and the state-run SSG Hospital to offer support to survivors and the families of the deceased. Patel closely monitored the ongoing rescue efforts, which involved the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire brigade personnel, among others.
National Disaster Response Force officials reported that four individuals remained missing, and search and rescue operations continued at the site, utilizing deep divers, SONAR technology, and underwater cameras.
Expressing his condolences on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic boat capsizing at Harni Lake in Vadodara, which claimed the lives of several individuals. My thoughts are with the grieving families during this difficult time, and I wish a swift recovery to those who were injured."