Vadodara boat accident: India schoolchildren were ‘not given life jackets’
Parents of students who were aboard the boat that capsized in a lake in Gujarat, India, have claimed that their children were “denied life jackets.”
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday at Harni Lake in Vadodara city, resulting in the drowning of twelve pupils aged seven to twelve and two teachers.
Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the event, while search operations are ongoing to locate the remaining victims.
Authorities report that eighteen students and two teachers have been rescued and are currently receiving treatment in a nearby hospital. Although the cause of the incident remains unknown, eyewitnesses suggest that the boat exceeded its capacity of 14 passengers.
The tragic occurrence has garnered national attention, with many parents accusing authorities of compromising their children’s safety by neglecting safety protocols.
Asma Sheikh, a relative of a rescued student, informed BBC Gujarati that despite the outing being described as a picnic and boat ride, the school allegedly did not provide life jackets to the students.
Federal minister Harsh Sanghvi stated that only 10 students on the boat were wearing life jackets, indicating that a majority of passengers were without them.
During BBC Gujarati’s visit to the accident site, concerned parents questioned why students were allowed on the boat without proper safety gear.
Several parents gathered near the lake, expressing frustration over what they perceived as negligence. Some claimed they were not informed about the boat ride and the incident.
Naushin Gandhi, sister of one of the deceased students, revealed that the school had initially informed them about a trip to a water park but took them to a lake instead, catching them off guard.
“Since the tragedy, I desperately tried to contact the school authorities but nobody responded,” she alleged.
Some parents alleged that such incidents, which result from the negligence of Gujarat authorities were happening “frequently”.
In October, at least 135 people died after a pedestrian suspension bridge collapsed in Morbi.
Mr. Sanghvi has blamed the operator of the boat and contractor for the latest incident and said that it cannot be called a “mistake”.
The Gujarat government has ordered an inquiry into the incident and has sought a report within 10 days.
According to local media reports, about 80 students from New Sunrise School had gone on the picnic, and while some students went on the boat ride, others were engaged in other activities.
An official told BBC Gujarati that the boat began to tilt because there was an issue with its “balance” and then tipped over.
Boat accidents are not uncommon in India, where vessels are often overcrowded, poorly maintained, and lack safety equipment.
Last year, 22 people died after a boat capsized in India’s southern Kerala state.
