On Wednesday, a horrifying tragedy happened in the Brahmaputra in Assam, where two boats carrying local passengers collided. This boat tragedy has resulted in the death of one person and several are reportedly missing. The boats were carrying at least 200 passengers, the incident took place at Nimati Ghat in Jorhat, around 350 km from Guwahati at around 4 pm.
Today morning, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reached Jorhat to oversee the rescue operation.
Today, CM tweeted, “Rescue operation going on in Majuli. As of now one death and two missing. Efforts are on to find out more information.”
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A video of the incident has been shared by AIUWC, on Twitter. In the video people are seen trying to save their lives and the boat is rapidly tilting as the passengers try to stay on the deck. But they slip as the boat continues to go down.
Watch the video here:
The accident has occurred between a private boat – “Ma Kamala,” which was going to Majauli from Nimati Ghat and a big government vessel (which belonged to the state's inland water transport) “Tripkai”.
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Three officials of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) department have been placed under suspension for alleged negligence of duty, while senior ministers admitted that there were lapses and the "guilty" will be punished, reported news agency PTI.
As per Assam State Disaster Management Authority around 88 people have been rescued so far.
“The boat turned upside down now and we are not able to turn it around. Once we can do that, we will be able to see if anybody is stuck there,” officials told on Wednesday.
The rescue operation is still on. Indian Army and Air Force to join NDRF, SDRF and state fire service today.