Six dead as boat ferrying school children capsizes in Srinagar

Srinagar: At least six persons died while three are missing after a boat, with school children and locals on board, capsized in river Jhelum near Batwara area of Srinagar on Tuesday morning.

A rescue operation was launched by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and at least 10 people, mostly children, were rescued.

While six bodies have been recovered so far, three are still missing. Incessant rains over the last couple of days have led to an increase in the water levels of several water bodies, including Jhelum.

The boat which capsized was ferrying children from Gandbal to Batwara in Srinagar. Senior police and civil administration officers reached the site to monitor the rescue operation.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed deep grief over the incident. “I am deeply grieved by the loss of lives due to a boat accident in Srinagar. My thoughts are with the bereaved families & I pray to the Almighty to give them strength to withstand this immense loss. The SDRF, Army & other agencies are carrying out relief & rescue work”, he said.