At Least 13 Children Killed in Bihar Boat Capsize

A boat capsized in the Ganga River in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Tuesday evening, killing at least 13 children, according to district officials. Rescue teams were searching for any remaining missing passengers on Wednesday, while the number of people aboard had not been established. The passengers were travelling from Rampur Shyamchand village to a feast across the river when the boat overturned near the village in the Raghopur area. District Magistrate Varsha Singh said 13 bodies had been recovered and that the toll remained unchanged on Wednesday. The children were all reported to be under 15. Officials reported that six people were rescued; other accounts attributed a figure of seven to district officials. Some survivors were taken for medical care, and two children were reported to be in critical condition. The State Disaster Response Force, police, local divers and residents took part in rescue efforts. The damaged boat was retrieved, and the search continued Wednesday for anyone still missing. The number of passengers remains uncertain. Estimates in reports ranged from 15 to 20, while other accounts cited around 20 or more.