Boat overturns in Omkareshwar, 10 devotees fall into river:2 critical, group of 52 was from Ranchi

A boat overturned after hitting a rock in the Narmada river at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district on Friday. 10 devotees from Jharkhand fell into the river but were rescued. 2 of them are in critical condition and have been admitted to a civil hospital. According to Khandwa SP Manoj Kumar Rai, the incident occurred around 12 noon. A group of about 52 devotees from Ranchi, Jharkhand, had come to Omkareshwar for a pilgrimage. The devotees were moving around the ghats in smaller groups. During this time, 10 devotees boarded a boat from Brahmpuri Ghat to go towards Sangam Ghat. As the boat reached near Naveen Ghat, it collided with a rock protruding from the river. Plank broke due to collision, boat capsized The impact was so strong that the wooden plank of the boat (No. 225) broke. Water quickly started filling the boat, and within moments it lost balance and overturned. All those on board fell into the river and began to drown. Pictures after the incident Homeguard conducted rescue operation Immediately after the incident, Home Guard personnel stationed at the ghat, along with locals, launched a rescue operation. All 10 devotees were pulled out safely, averting a major tragedy. However, two people inhaled water, worsening their condition. They were referred from Omkareshwar to the Civil Hospital in Sanawad. Preliminary investigation suggests the accident was caused by the boat hitting a rock. Authorities have started a probe, and the incident has also raised questions over safety arrangements and boat operations at the ghats.