Major accident in Odisha, boat capsized in Mahanadi; 2 people dead and 7 still missing!

A major accident occurred when a boat capsized in Mahanadi in Jharsuguda district of Odisha. Two people aboard the boat died, while four women and three children are still missing. Police said that at the time of the accident, about 50 people from Kharsia in the neighboring state of Chhattisgarh were on board the boat, who were returning after visiting the temple located at Patharseni Kuda in Bargarh district of Odisha. The police officer said that the accident occurred when the boat was about to reach Sharda Ghat under Rengali police station in Jharsuguda district.

The official said that later police and fire department personnel rescued 7 more people. He said that seven more people are still missing and an operation is being conducted to search for them. Northern Range Inspector General of Police (IG) Himanshu Lal said, ‘Among the missing are 4 women and 3 children. The search and rescue operation will continue until the last missing person is found. IG said that 4 teams have been formed. Two cameras capable of searching underwater along with 5 divers have been deployed in the search operation.

Assistance amount of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased

Chief Secretary PK Jena and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu are monitoring the rescue and relief operations from Bhubaneswar. Divisional Revenue Commissioner (RDC), Jharsuguda District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police are present on the river bank and monitoring the operation. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced an assistance amount of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased.Bargarh MP and senior BJP leader Suresh Pujari, who reached the spot, alleged, ‘The boat was running without a valid license. It was not given fitness certificate by the concerned authorities. There was no life saving jacket etc. on it.’