Mathura/Chandigarh, April 10: At least 6 pilgrims from Jagraon, Punjab, died Friday afternoon after a boat carrying over 30 devotees capsized in the Yamuna River near Vrindavan. The vessel struck a pontoon bridge at Shringar Ghat in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, while the group was traveling for religious darshan.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann affirmed that his administration is maintaining constant communication with the Uttar Pradesh government to manage the aftermath of the tragedy. Mann stated that it was with great sorrow he had to inform the public of the drowning of several devotees. He declared that while initial reports are being gathered, he is closely monitoring the situation to ensure all necessary support is provided to the victims’ families.
According to local authorities, the accident occurred between 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. when the boat, carrying approximately 32 people, was caught in strong currents and collided with a bridge structure. While some reports say 10 fatalities, other reports maintain at least six confirmed deaths, emergency teams have successfully rescued between 14 and 16 individuals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep grief over the loss of life and maintained that administrative officials have been directed to expedite all rescue efforts. Divers and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) remained at the site late Friday evening to search for several persons who are still feared missing.
The Punjab Chief Minister asserted that additional details regarding the victims and the status of the survivors will be shared as the identification process continues. He maintained that the state government is committed to assisting the families during this hour of crisis.
