Several Feared Missing as Boat Overturns in Mahanadi River in Odisha's Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda: At least 2 persons were killed and seven others are missing as a boat with around 50 passengers overturned in Mahanadi River in Odisha's Jharsuguda district on Friday. According to the reports, the incident took place on Friday afternoon while the boat onboard around 50 passengers was travelling from Patharseni Kuda to Banjipalli in Bargarh district of Odisha, which led to a major chaotic situation in the area.

A senior police official said, on its way, the boat capsized as it was about to reach Sarada Ghat under the Rengali police station area in Jharsuguda district.

Witnessing the incident, the local fishermen present nearby jumped into the river and rescued one after the other 35 passengers and brought them to the bank of the river.

Later, on information, the local police along with a team of boat club, deep divers and other concerned district authorities rushed to the spot and initiated a rescue operation. District Magistrate of Odisha's Jharsuguda, Aboli Sunil Naravane also stated that the district administration had mobilised all resources.

During the further rescue operation, 7 more people were rescued from the river. Two victims rescued from the river were declared dead by the doctors.

Reports suggest that seven other passengers are still missing and a search operation has been launched to trace them.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased.  

Further details about the incident is being awaited.