Politics

Vaishali boat capsize: 13 children dead as rescue operation continues in Bihar

A boat carrying more than 20 passengers capsized in Bihar's Vaishali district, killing 13 children under 15. Rescue teams continued searching for missing people on Wednesday, while six passengers were rescued. Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced ₹4 lakh for each victim's family as residents protested and sought FIRs against officials.

Editor: AI News 24x7 Published: 14 Oct 2026, 07:10 PM Updated: 14 Oct 2026, 07:10 PM

Vaishali boat capsize: 13 children dead as rescue operation continues in Bihar.

A rescue operation continued in Bihar's Vaishali district on Wednesday after a boat capsized in the Ganga, killing 13 children and leaving people missing. Officials said six passengers were rescued, while teams continued searching the river.

The incident took place at around 8:30 at night on Tuesday, according to officials. Residents of Rampur Shyamchand village were travelling across the river to attend a feast in another village when the boat overturned.

Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh said the death toll remained at 13 because no additional bodies had been recovered. She said all those who died were children under 15.

Rescue operation and passenger count

SDRF Sub-Inspector Jai Deep Narayan Singh told journalists that the damaged boat had been brought out of the river. Officials said more than 20 passengers were aboard the vessel when it capsized.

The continuing search is focused on people who may still be missing. The available official figures confirm 13 deaths and six rescues, while the operation remains underway.

Compensation announced for families

Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for the family of each child who died in the accident.

Several political leaders visited the site and expressed condolences to the affected families. They included former BJP MLA Satish Kumar Yadav and LJP(RV) MLC Ashraf Ansari.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who represents the Raghopur assembly constituency, said on X that he had spoken with the district administration and received an update on the situation. He said he would visit the site after returning from New Delhi, where he had gone to join a protest against the SIR process.

Residents demand action

The accident also led to protests in the village. Local residents accused the administration of negligence and demanded that FIRs be filed against the officials concerned.

The allegation by residents remains separate from the confirmed details of the accident and the ongoing rescue work. The supplied information does not state whether any FIR has been registered or whether an official investigation has reached a conclusion.

Conclusion

The confirmed toll stands at 13 children, all under 15, after the Vaishali boat capsizing. 6 people were rescued, the damaged boat was recovered, and the search for missing people continued while families were promised ₹4 lakh each.