Bargi Dam Boat Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 9 as Survivors Allege Safety Lapses

Survivors have alleged serious safety lapses, claiming that life jackets were provided only after the boat began sinking

Digital Desk: In Madhya Pradesh, at least nine people have died after a cruise boat capsized in the Bargi Dam on the Narmada River near Jabalpur following a sudden and severe storm on 30^th April.

The vessel, operated by the state tourism department, was carrying around 43 people, including passengers and crew members, when it overturned on Thursday evening. Officials said the weather changed abruptly around 6 pm, with wind speeds reaching 60–70 kmph, creating turbulent conditions that destabilised the boat and led to the accident.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF),  and state Disaster Reponse Forec (SDRF) units, and local authorities launched an extensive search and rescue operation that continued late into the night. Several people were rescued, while additional bodies were recovered on 1^ST May, taking the death toll to nine.

Survivors have alleged serious safety lapses, claiming that life jackets were provided only after the boat began sinking. One survivor, identified as Julius, said panic broke out onboard as there were no visible safety measures during the journey.