At least 10 people have died, and several others are feared missing after a boat carrying around 25–30 pilgrims capsized in the Yamuna River near Keshighat in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura on Friday.
According to district authorities, panic broke out when the overcrowded vessel overturned close to a pontoon bridge in Vrindavan.
Rescue teams, including local police and disaster response units, rushed to the spot and have so far rescued more than 14 people.
Search operations are ongoing amid concerns that a dozen passengers may still be unaccounted for.
Mathura District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh termed the incident "very unfortunate," stating that the group had come from Punjab and was visiting the river when the accident occurred.
Mathura DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey said that around 3:15 pm, a boat accident occurred on River Yamuna near a pontoon bridge. According to initial reports, the boat was carrying about 25–27 people.
He noted that, based on witness accounts so far, "the boat crashed into the pontoon bridge," which appears to be the primary cause of the accident.
"So far, 10 bodies have been recovered, while rescue operations are ongoing. Fire Services, police personnel, local divers, and boatmen are actively involved, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on their way to assist," he added.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognisance of the incident and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
He has directed officials to expedite rescue and relief measures and ensure immediate assistance to the injured.
The Chief Minister has also instructed authorities to provide appropriate compensation to the families of the deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed grief over the tragic incident, condoling the loss of lives and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
"Deeply pained by the mishap due to the capsizing of a boat in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected: PM," the tweet read.
Further details are awaited as rescue teams continue their search in the river.
