Western India boat capsizing leaves at least 14 dead

At least 14 people were killed after a boat that was transporting a local school group capsized in India’s western state of Gujarat on Thursday, January 18.

The ill-fated vessel was transiting Harni Lake in the city of Vadodara with over 30 passengers, most of whom were young children aged between seven and 12, when it became unstable and overturned at around 17:00 local time on Thursday.

Some survivors and the bodies of 14 deceased victims were pulled out of the water by fire and rescue personnel as well as the residents of nearby communities.

Officials expect the death toll to rise as the exact number of people who were on the boat has not yet been determined.

A preliminary probe revealed that the boat had seating for no more than 14 passengers and that the crew did not provide an adequate number of lifejackets.

Police have arrested two of the boat’s operators and four other individuals as part of the investigation into the tragedy. Charges that have been filed include culpable homicide not amounting to murder and attempt to commit culpable homicide.