The death toll in the cruise boat capsizing incident at Bargi Dam in Jabalpur has climbed to nine, even as search and rescue operations continue to trace the missing.
State Minister Rakesh Singh said rescue teams recovered two more bodies, adding that the circumstances leading to the fatalities would become clearer once operations conclude.
“NDRF has recovered two more bodies…The situation will be clear in some time…After the rescue operation concludes, it will be clear why people could not be saved even when they were wearing life jackets,” he said.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged from survivors. One survivor alleged that basic safety measures were missing and claimed passengers were not provided life jackets.
Earlier, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said 15 people had been rescued following the incident, attributing the capsizing to a severe storm.
“Through swift rescue operations, 15 citizens have been safely rescued. Efforts are underway to locate those who are missing as quickly as possible,” he said in a post.
“In this hour of crisis, the state government stands in full solidarity with the affected families with complete sensitivity, and every possible assistance is being ensured,” the post added.
Eyewitnesses also pointed to strong winds as a key factor. Samrat, who was present at the site, said, “It was really windy. We told the boat operator to come to the other end, but he paid no heed. It started for the other side but capsized in the middle of the dam. A few people in life jackets jumped off the boat… We safely rescued about 15-16 people… We rushed them to the hospital. The bodies were taken away.”
Probe ordered amid negligence claims
Tourism Minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi has ordered a probe into the incident and assured strict action if negligence is established.
“This is a very sad and heartbreaking incident. I have ordered the department to investigate this incident. If negligence has occurred, we will take the strongest possible action. Nine people have died in this incident…” he said.
“I suspect the figure may rise… I have ordered an investigation. If any negligence is found, the strongest possible action will be taken,” he added.
Rescue efforts continued under difficult conditions, with rain and poor visibility affecting operations overnight.
Commandant, Home Guard SDRF, Neeraj Singh Rajput, said, “The situation here is difficult. Last night it was rainy and dark, so the rescue operation faced some difficulties, but we continued with the help of lights and other equipment. Today, NDRF and Army teams arrived, after which we recovered 5 bodies. A total of 9 bodies have been recovered so far.”
Officials confirmed that 24 injured persons are undergoing treatment, while search operations remain ongoing.
© x.com/DharmendrLodhiiFamily tragedy and questions over safety
Among the victims were three members of a single family — 40-year-old Marina, her mother Madhur, and her four-year-old son Jahaan. The family was part of a group of six travelling together. While several members, including Marina’s husband Pradeep, were rescued, the loss has left survivors devastated.
Gladvin, Marina’s brother, said, “It is very tragic for me. My life has become very troubled… Three members of my house – my sister, my mother, and my 4-year-old nephew – all perished in this accident.”
“They were saying that people were advising against going further. They still took the cruise forward and it got stuck in the storm there. And it was quite an old cruise. That’s why all these incidents happened. I would call it negligence, and in terms of security too, because life jackets were not given to them on time,” he added.
Family members also questioned why the cruise was allowed to operate despite weather alerts.
“There was an alert yesterday, even from two to three days ago, that the weather could turn bad. Even then, why was that cruise allowed so that everyone went there? Because they went there, such a big accident happened. This could have been prevented,” said Vinod, a relative.
Naresh, another family member, said, “I would say it’s negligence on the part of the administration. Because if that boat is in the water after an advisory has been issued, then it’s a big question. Because the boat was filled with 40-50 people. Despite the bad weather, he took tourists into the water just for some money. Local people even stopped him, told him the weather was bad and to pull over to the side..this accident has completely broken us. We have lost three members of our family.”
PM announces compensation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for victims’ families.
“The loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is extremely painful. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic mishap. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000,” the Prime Minister’s office said.
Authorities have confirmed that search operations are still underway at Bargi Dam, with officials warning that the toll could rise further as efforts continue.
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