Motihari: 14 people drowned in a boat accident in the Sikrahna river, 1 dead and 2 still missing.

News Topical, Digital Desk : A major accident occurred on Saturday (October 11) evening in the Lakhaura police station area of ​​Motihari Sadar block in East Champaran district. A boat carrying animal fodder capsized in the Sikrahna River after being caught in strong winds. Fourteen people drowned in the accident, 12 of whom were rescued safely with the help of villagers. One person died in the accident, while two others are still missing.

This incident occurred in Lakhaura Purbari Tola and Brahma Tola of Lakhaura Panchayat. Residents had crossed the Sikrahna River dam to collect fodder for their animals. On their way back, a sudden strong wind caused the boat to lose balance and capsize. All 14 people on board were from the same Panchayat. Villagers immediately jumped into the river and rescued 12 people, while the search for two others, Mukesh Kumar (25) and Babulal Sahni (45), is still ongoing.

People were crossing the river to get fodder.

With the help of locals, the injured were taken to a private hospital at Lakhaura Chowk. Seeing their critical condition, doctors referred them to Motihari Sadar Hospital. Kailash Sahni, 47, died during treatment. Eleven others are undergoing treatment. Local villagers say that the Shikrahna River has been in spate for the past week, creating flood-like conditions in the entire area. The paddy crop has been submerged, and there is a severe shortage of fodder for animals. Therefore, people were risking their lives to cross the river to collect fodder.

Police investigating missing persons

Upon receiving information about the incident, Lakhaura police station in-charge Praveen Kumar arrived at the scene with his team and began relief operations. He stated that three NDRF teams also arrived on the scene on Sunday morning, and the search for the two missing people is ongoing. The station in-charge stated that all the injured are currently undergoing treatment, and the body of the deceased, Kailash Sahni, has been sent to Motihari Sadar Hospital for a post-mortem. Following the accident, the entire village is in mourning, and the family members are inconsolable. Villagers are demanding boat security and speedy relief operations from the administration.

Read More: Motihari: 14 people drowned in a boat accident in the Sikrahna river, 1 dead and 2 still missing.