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Vadodara Boat Tragedy: Picnic Turns Fatal, 14 Students, Two Teachers Die; PM Modi Announces Compensation
Rescue and relief operations are currently in progress as authorities work tirelessly to save lives and provide assistance to those affected.
In a deeply distressing incident, a group of school children faced a heartbreaking fate when the boat they were on sank in Harni lake in Vadodara. The students, who were on a picnic organized by New Sunrise School, had gone for boating when the unfortunate incident occurred. Rescue and relief operations are currently in progress as authorities work tirelessly to save lives and provide assistance to those affected. According to officials, 14 school students and two teachers have lost their lives in the mishap. The tragic incident unfolded as the boat overturned in the lake, leaving the students in a perilous situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the incident while announced ex-gratia for the family members of the deceased. "Distressed by the loss of lives due to a boat capsizing at the Harni lake in Vadodara. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," said the Prime Minister's Office.
Conflicting reports about the exact number of occupants on the boat at the time of the accident have surfaced, with estimates ranging from more than 20 to about 30 individuals. Collector, Vadodara, AB Gor said that there were 27 children on the boat. The students, part of a group from New Sunrise School, were enjoying a day out organized by the school when the unimaginable tragedy struck.
The community is in shock and mourning as the rescue efforts continue. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.