Six, including four kids, die as boat overturns in Srinagar's Jhelum river; 10 others missing.

Authorities reported that six individuals, including four children, lost their lives, and 10 individuals are unaccounted for following a boat overturning in the Jhelum river in Srinagar on Tuesday. The incident tragically occurred in the Gandbal Nowgam area. In response to the crisis, a rescue operation has been initiated to locate the missing individuals.

Among the missing were multiple children who were en route to school when the boat capsized in the Jhelum river in the city of Srinagar. "Around 15 people, several children among them, are missing after the accident," disclosed a senior official in Kashmir to AFP on condition of anonymity.

So far, "four bodies" have been recovered, while "many others" are missing, the officials said.


The recent days have seen persistent rainfall, causing a rise in the water levels of various water bodies in the region, including the Jhelum river.

The increased water levels may have contributed to the unfortunate boat capsizing incident.

Witnesses reported that a rope utilized for steering the boat broke due to the strong current of the water.

Srinagar district magistrate Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat informed AFP, "Our rescue teams are present at the site. We are gathering information about the incident."

Numerous office employees and students opt for a boat ride across the river in the morning to evade road congestion.

While accidents frequently occur on the hazardous roads of the mountainous area, incidents involving passenger boats are uncommon.

(With inputs from PTI & AFP)