Boat carrying 15 people overturns in Bagmati’s southern stream. Muzaffarpur, September 25: A boat carrying around 15 people capsized in the Bagmati River in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district on Friday morning, leaving a 15-year-old girl missing. Fourteen people aboard the boat managed to reach safety, while rescue teams and local divers launched a search for the missing teenager.
The incident took place in the Aurai police station area near Devra Dharampur village under Maheshwara panchayat. Reports put the time of the accident at around 9 to 10 am. The boat was reportedly carrying people who had gone towards the area inside the Bagmati embankment to collect green fodder for cattle.
Rani Kumari missing after boat overturns
The missing girl has been identified as 15-year-old Rani Kumari, daughter of Horil Paswan and a resident of Dharampur village. According to local officials and residents, the boat suddenly became unstable and overturned in the southern stream of the Bagmati.
As the boat went under the water, passengers were thrown into the river. Fourteen people managed to swim out or were helped to safety by people nearby. Rani, however, could not be located after the accident.
Divers and SDRF involved in search operation
Following the incident, local residents immediately began searching the river. Officials from the Aurai police station also reached the spot and coordinated the rescue efforts.
Aurai Circle Officer Dheeraj Kumar said divers were deployed to search for the missing teenager. An SDRF team was also mobilised to assist in the operation. Officials and local rescuers continued the search as efforts were underway to trace Rani.
Bagmati water level adds to concern
The incident comes at a time when the Bagmati at the Benibad monitoring point in Muzaffarpur was recorded above the danger level on Friday. The river was reported to be around 48.70 metres against a danger level of 48.68 metres.
The exact reason why the boat overturned has not been officially established. Local residents said boats are frequently used in the area by people transporting cattle fodder across the river and embankment region.
The search for Rani Kumari remains underway, with divers, SDRF personnel and local residents continuing efforts to locate her.