Bargi dam tragedy: 4 dead, rescue operations continue (Second Lead)​

Jabalpur, April 30 Four bodies have been recovered so far after a tourist cruise capsized at Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh’s Jabalpur district, while several passengers remain missing and rescue operations continue.​

Jabalpur Collector Raghavendra Singh, speaking to IANS, said the vessel sank following a sudden spell of extreme weather, leading to the tragedy.​

“The cruise had sunk, and after the incident, around 14–15 people were safely rescued. So far, four bodies have been recovered and sent for post-mortem examination,” he said.​

Singh informed that prompt rescue efforts helped save several lives, and teams are continuing to search for those still missing. He shared that multiple agencies were immediately pressed into service.​

“Teams of the State Disaster Response Force, local police, and other disaster management units are present at the site, and rescue operations are continuing without interruption,” he said.​

The Collector stressed that the administration is closely monitoring the situation and has deployed all necessary resources to trace the missing passengers at the earliest.​

Responding to an IANS query on weather conditions in the district, the Collector stated that although rain alerts had been issued, the storm's severity was not anticipated.​

He further informed that rescue teams continue to conduct an intensive search operation in the dam area, scanning the waters and the surrounding area. The operation is being conducted on a war footing despite challenging conditions.​

“Weather conditions were adverse, and a rain alert had been issued; however, there was no anticipation that an incident of this magnitude could occur. This is being treated as an unforeseen event and is under investigation,” he said, indicating that all aspects, including safety protocols, will be examined.​

Meanwhile, a survivor speaking to IANS recounted the ordeal, saying, “We were all sitting properly when suddenly strong winds started blowing, and heavy waves began rising.”​

He added that people from the nearby village warned the cruise operator to move to the side as the weather had turned bad, but before anything could be done, water entered, and the cruise overturned.​

The incident occurred near Khamariya Island on Thursday evening when the cruise, carrying around 31 passengers, capsized after being hit by strong winds and high waves.​

Officials said about 15 people have been rescued so far, while several others remain unaccounted for.​

Preliminary reports suggest that powerful gusts destabilised the vessel, allowing water to enter and eventually causing it to overturn.​

Eyewitnesses said the weather deteriorated rapidly, leaving little time for preventive action.​

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, in a statement, said that rescue operations are continuing without interruption under the supervision of senior officials.​

“Today, the operation by the local administration and rescue forces continues unabated in Jabalpur regarding the tragic cruise accident at Bargi Dam caused by a severe storm,” he said.​

He added that through swift rescue operations, 15 citizens have been safely rescued, and efforts are underway to locate those who are missing as quickly as possible.​

“In this hour of crisis, the state government stands in full solidarity with the affected families with complete sensitivity, and every possible assistance is being ensured,” the Chief Minister said.​

--IANS

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