SRINAGAR: Four people were killed and 19 are missing after a boat capsized in the river in Occupied Kashmir.
According to the news report, a boat overturned in the Jhelum river in Srinagar city after which hundreds of people gathered on the river bank.
Emergency responders, including marine commandos and rescue teams, are currently engaged in a search and rescue mission to locate any survivors. Among the missing are school children who were commuting on the ill-fated boat.
Reports from Srinagar Central Hospital indicate that four fatalities have been confirmed, with three individuals receiving medical attention for injuries sustained during the accident. Initial estimates suggest that the boat was carrying 26 passengers.
The recent heavy rains in the region have led to the swelling of the river, contributing to the tragic event. The boat involved in the accident was propelled manually, using a rope instead of an engine. Regrettably, the rope snapped under the pressure of the swift currents, causing the boat to collide with a bridge pillar.
Senior Political Officer of the region, Manoj Sinha, extended his condolences to the affected families and assured them of all possible assistance during this difficult time.
This incident highlights the reliance of commuters, including office workers and students, on river transport to navigate the congested roads of Srinagar. While accidents are not uncommon on the treacherous mountain roads, incidents involving passenger boats are relatively rare.
