The scene at Harni Lake in Vadodara on Thursday, where the boat overturned. AP
The scene at Harni Lake in Vadodara on Thursday, where the boat overturned. AP
The scene at Harni Lake in Vadodara on Thursday, where the boat overturned. AP
The scene at Harni Lake in Vadodara on Thursday, where the boat overturned. AP

Vadodara tragedy: At least 12 Gujarat pupils and two teachers killed after boat capsizes


Taniya Dutta
  • English
  • Arabic

At least 12 school pupils and two teachers were killed after a boat capsized in the Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday.

The boat was reported to be carrying at least 35 pupils and four teachers going on a picnic, when it overturned in Harni Lake in Vadodara, in the west of India.

Ten pupils have so far been rescued by emergency workers, including teams from local police and fire departments.

"Six bodies were brought to our hospital," Dr Ranjan Aiyer, medical superintendent at Sayajirao General Hospital in Vadodara, told The National.

"One girl was rescued and is undergoing treatment. Eight other bodies were taken to another hospital for postmortem."

He said those killed were 12 children and two female teachers.

The pupils and teachers were reportedly not wearing life jackets and the boat did not have any safety equipment, government officials said.

“Per initial information, the boat was carrying more students than its capacity and about seven or eight children have died,” said Keyur Rokadit of the local legislature. “Whoever is at fault will be punished. Our priority is to rescue as many children as possible.”

Rescuers look for missing people after a boat carrying 27 schoolchildren and their teachers capsized in Harni Lake in Vadodara. AP
Rescuers look for missing people after a boat carrying 27 schoolchildren and their teachers capsized in Harni Lake in Vadodara. AP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees ($2,400) for families of the dead. Gujarat is Mr Modi's home state.

Boats capsizing is common in India, where many vessels are overcrowded and have inadequate safety equipment.

In September, at least 10 schoolchildren died after a boat capsized at Madhupur Patti pier on the Bagmati river in the state of Bihar because of an unevenly distributed load.

Going grey? A stylist's advice

If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”

Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

Updated: January 19, 2024, 5:25 AM