Bihar boat accident: 11 killed as boat capsizes in Vaishali district; minors included among deceased

A boat capsized in Bihar's Raghopur Diyara area of Vaishali district, claiming 11 lives, Vaishali DM told ANI on Tuesday. District police officials and an SDRF team were dispatched to conduct search operations in the area.

"11 people died after a boat capsized in the Raghopur Diara area of Vaishali district. Most of the deceased are minors who were traveling on the boat to attend the feast," the official said.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased. He instructed the administration to expedite relief and rescue operations and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured


In a post on X, Choudhary said, "The news of the deaths of innocent children in a boat accident in Raghopur, Vaishali, is deeply saddening and heart-wrenching. The state government will provide financial assistance (ex-gratia) of ₹4 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased. Instructions have been issued to the administration to expedite relief and rescue operations and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured."

RJD leader and Raghopur MLA Tejashwi Yadav also informed that most of those who drowned in the boat incident were children.

"The death toll is estimated to be around 30, with the majority being children. So far, 14 bodies have been recovered; six individuals have been referred to the hospital, and three are safe," Yadav said in a video shared by ANI.

The RJD leader spoke with the District Magistrate and the Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, urging them to deploy as many rescue teams as possible, including NDRF and SDRF personnel. He said the administration is expected to provide maximum assistance.

"We have received the unfortunate and tragic news of a boat capsizing in the Raghopur Diyara area. Most of those who drowned are children. May God keep everyone safe. After discussions with local people, the administration, and officials, instructions have been given to expedite relief, rescue, and treatment operations," Yadav said in a post on X.