Bargi Dam Boat Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 9, Rescue Efforts Intensify

Jabalpur– The death toll in the tragic cruise boat accident at Bargi Dam has climbed to nine, with rescue operations continuing for those still missing after the vessel capsized during a sudden storm.

Officials confirmed that the bodies of eight women and one child have been recovered so far from the reservoir, located around 35 km from Jabalpur. At least 28 passengers have been rescued, while four individuals are still unaccounted for.

Authorities have stepped up the rescue mission with the deployment of army personnel, a helicopter, and a specialised paramilitary diving unit. Heavy equipment, including hydraulic machines and excavators, is being used to reach the submerged vessel, which lies nearly 20 feet underwater.

Senior officials, including Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, are expected to visit the site as efforts continue to ensure no one remains trapped inside the wreckage.

Confusion remains over the number of passengers on board. While official records suggest tickets were issued for 29 people, survivors claim that the actual number ranged between 43 and 45, raising concerns about overcrowding.

Several survivors have alleged serious safety lapses. A teenage survivor recounted that life jackets were not readily available and had to be accessed in panic as the boat began to sink. She described losing multiple family members in the tragedy, including her mother and younger sibling.

Another survivor claimed that life jackets were distributed only after the situation turned critical, leaving little time for passengers to react. Local residents had reportedly warned the boat operator about worsening weather conditions before the incident.

However, the boat operator has denied negligence, stating that safety protocols were in place but the vessel lost control due to an unexpected and intense storm.

The incident has triggered calls for stricter enforcement of safety norms and accountability in tourist operations, as investigators work to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the disaster.