JABALPUR, Madhya Pradesh : A tourist cruise capsized in the Bargi Dam area near Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday after strong winds, leaving at least nine people dead and multiple others injured, according to media reports.
The incident occurred at around 5 p.m. when gusts of up to 74 kmph caused the vessel to lose control and sink about 300 metres from the shore. Some passengers were rescued, while others remain missing.
Survivors alleged that life jackets were distributed only after the boat began sinking.
Rescue teams, including State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel, continued operations into the night, though efforts were hampered by poor weather and low visibility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced ex gratia compensation from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the families of the victims and those injured.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered an inquiry and is expected to visit the site.
According to media reports, one of the victims was a woman found holding her young child tightly in a life jacket. The family had reportedly travelled from Delhi, with two members surviving.
Authorities said an investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident and assess possible safety lapses.
