Tragedy Strikes as Overcrowded Boat Capsizes in Vadodara’s Harni Lake Zone, Claiming Lives of 12 Children and 2 Teachers.
Tragedy struck during a school picnic at Harni Lake in Vadodara as a boat capsized, resulting in the unfortunate demise of at least 12 schoolchildren aged between 10 to 13 years, along with two teachers. The incident occurred on Thursday, and despite the boat having a capacity for 16 passengers, it was overloaded with 34 occupants—30 students and four teachers. Fortunately, 18 students and two teachers were rescued, but the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) mentioned that the rescue efforts were impeded by sludge at the lake’s bottom.
In initial accounts, it was reported that New Sunrise School students reached the location around 4:30 pm on Thursday and embarked on a boat as part of a school picnic. Sources indicate that a group of 60 students participated in the excursion.
“The kids reached the lake around 4:30 pm and, under the supervision of their teachers, they embarked on the boat. Dr. Sheetal Mistry, the chairperson of the VMC standing committee, emphasized the critical nature of any potential drowning incidents, noting that even a brief delay of two or three minutes underwater could lead to fatal consequences.”
The management of the boating facility, Lake Zone, situated at Harni Lake, is entrusted to Kotia Projects, a private company, operating through a Public Private Partnership agreement with the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, following a beautification initiative in 2016.
Law enforcement has apprehended two individuals, including the facility’s manager. A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the Harni police station against M/s Kotia Projects, invoking sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 308 (attempt to culpable homicide), and 337 (rash or negligent act endangering human life).
Deputy Commissioner of Police Panna Momaya has officially confirmed the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) against M/s Kotia Projects, along with its owner. The identified owner, Paresh Shah, remains unlocated at this time.
During the night, the state home department issued an order for an investigation to be conducted by the Vadodara District Magistrate. This inquiry will not only examine the circumstances surrounding the incident but will also assess whether there was any negligence or oversight on the part of the local administration, contractor, or any other involved party. The government has mandated that the inquiry report be submitted within a span of 10 days.
A relative of a deceased girl, speaking to The Indian Express, expressed the profound shock and devastation felt by the parents, emphasizing that the tragic turn of events was unexpected during what was supposed to be a joyful picnic. The relative called for accountability, urging punishment for those responsible, including the school management, contractor, and VMC officials.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance, offering Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He expressed distress over the loss of lives and extended sympathy to the affected families, highlighting the local administration’s efforts to provide assistance.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel shared his condolences on Twitter, describing the boat overturning at Harni Lake in Vadodara as a heartbreaking incident. He offered prayers for the souls of the innocent children, expressing solidarity with grieving families. The Chief Minister directed the administration to ensure immediate relief and treatment for the victims.
Opposition leader in the VMC, Ami Ravat, described the accident as a painful result of criminal negligence by the contractor and supervising officers. She called for the police to file a case of culpable homicide against those responsible for the tragedy.