Jabalpur Boat Tragedy Raises Safety Questions
A boat tragedy at Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh has raised serious questions over safety rules after survivors alleged that the vessel sailed despite a weather alert and passengers were not made to wear life jackets before boarding.
Bargi Dam Boat Tragedy In Jabalpur
The Narmada Queen, a 90-passenger vessel operated by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department, capsized at Bargi Dam near Jabalpur on Thursday evening after strong winds and rough waters hit the reservoir.
The boat was carrying over 40 tourists when the storm struck. At least nine people were killed, while rescue teams continued searching for missing passengers. Officials said 29 tickets had been issued, but locals claimed more people were allowed to board because it was the final ride of the day.
Yellow Alert Ignored Before Boat Ride
Survivors alleged that the boat was allowed to operate despite a yellow alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms. The weather department had warned of gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in the region.
Passengers said the sky changed suddenly after the boat reached the middle of the dam, with strong winds and large waves causing panic on board.
Life Jackets Were Not Distributed
Several survivors claimed that passengers were not given life jackets before the ride began. They alleged that the jackets were stored below deck and were brought out only after conditions worsened, leading to chaos.
Officials said the vessel had undergone annual maintenance in October last year. However, the allegations over weather warnings, boarding procedures and life jacket access are now central to the investigation.
