Boat capsizes after collision near Man Mandir Ghat in Varanasi with 60 passengers aboard

UP News: In a shocking turn of events, another tragic incident has unfolded in Uttar Pradesh, following the chaos at the recent Kumbh Mela. A boat capsized near the Man Mandir Ghat in Varanasi, raising alarms among local authorities and residents alike. The accident occurred when a larger boat collided with a smaller one, resulting in panic among the passengers. Fortunately, all 60 individuals aboard, who were reportedly from Odisha, were rescued safely by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police. Remarkably, every passenger was wearing life jackets at the time of the incident, which likely contributed to their safe recovery.

Recent Kumbh Mela Chaos

This incident comes on the heels of a devastating stampede that occurred during the Kumbh Mela, where a large influx of pilgrims led to chaos at the Sangam area in Prayagraj. On that fateful day, thirty lives were lost and sixty others sustained injuries as a result of the overwhelming crowd surge during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual. Among the deceased, twenty-five have been identified, while efforts continue to ascertain the identities of the remaining victims.

VIDEO | Uttar Pradesh: A boat capsizes in Ganga River in #Varanasi. Several people rescued. More details are waited.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/jAlw1QsgSS

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Understanding the Stampede

DIG Vaibhav Krishna, overseeing security at the Kumbh Mela, provided insights into how the stampede unfolded. He stated, "On Mauni Amavasya, between midnight and 1 AM, there was an immense pressure of crowds along the Akhara Marg. This pressure caused barriers to break down, leading to people inadvertently trampling over others who were waiting on the other side for their turn to bathe at Brahma Muhurt." This unfortunate event highlights the dire need for improved crowd management during such significant religious gatherings.

As Varanasi grapples with the aftermath of this latest tragedy, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities present during large-scale events. Authorities must take immediate action to enhance safety measures and prevent further incidents in future gatherings.