10 Dead, Several Missing in Yamuna Boat Capsize

At least 10 people died and several others remain missing after an overcrowded tourist boat capsized in the Yamuna River near Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district on Friday afternoon, officials reported.

The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. near Keshi Ghat, a popular spot for pilgrims visiting the Hindu temple town. The privately operated boat, with a capacity of about 15 passengers, was carrying 25 to 27 tourists from Punjab when it collided with a pontoon bridge under maintenance. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations indicate strong winds caused the vessel to sway violently midstream, increasing its speed before the impact. The collision led to the boat overturning in deep water. Officials noted that most passengers were not wearing life jackets and the vessel appeared poorly maintained. The boat operator fled the scene following the accident.

All those on board were part of a larger group of about 150 pilgrims from Ludhiana and Muktsar in Punjab who had hired boats for a river trip. Mathura District Magistrate Chandra Prakash Singh confirmed that 17 people had been rescued, with four in critical condition and receiving treatment at hospitals in...