Patna: A boat carrying labourers involved in flood-fighting and anti-erosion work capsized in the Ganga in Bihar’s Bhagalpur on Wednesday, leaving six of them missing, officials said.
The incident occurred in the Raghopur Panchayat area under Kharik block of the Naugachia police district in Bhagalpur.
The boat was reportedly being used by a contractor carrying out work to protect the Kazikoraiya-Raghopur Zamindari embankment, which has been facing strong pressure from the river’s main current in recent days.
According to preliminary reports, 18 labourers were aboard the boat when it suddenly lost balance amid the strong current and capsized in the middle of the river.
Twelve labourers managed to reach the riverbank, while six others were missing.
The accident triggered panic in the area after a video of the incident reportedly surfaced on social media.
After receiving information about the accident, the local administration and police reached the site along with an SDRF team equipped with motorboats and life jackets.
Rescue teams, including experienced divers, are searching the river for the missing labourers.
Local divers and villagers are also assisting the authorities. There are concerns that some of the missing workers could potentially be trapped beneath the overturned boat.
Senior administrative and police officials are monitoring the rescue operation from the site.
The boat was transporting labourers and construction materials associated with anti-erosion work being undertaken to protect Raghopur from flooding and embankment damage. Raghopur is also the ancestral village of Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, alias Bulo Mandal.
The work was being carried out under the direction of the Water Resources Department by contractor Rajkumar Singh.
Workers from areas including Ghogha, Ismailpur, and Parbatta were among those travelling on the boat.
The administration is continuing to ascertain the exact number of missing persons and any casualties, with rescue efforts continuing amid the strong current of the Ganga.
(IANS)
