Team News Riveting
Malappuram, May 8
The death toll in the Malappuram boat accident in Kerala climbed to 22 even as the rescue operation continued throughout the night.
On Sunday night, a tourist boat capsized at Thooval Theeram, a local tourist attraction at Ottumpuram in Tanur. The accident happened around 7 pm. As per reports, the boat was carrying more than 30 people and authorities are worried that the toll could go up. A report quoting an eye witness said the double-decker boat and those in the lower deck were feared stuck.
The local residents were first to launch the rescue operation before the fire and rescue units from Thanoor and Tirur, police officials, revenue and health officials reached the spot. Eleven bodies were fished out in the night even as and the pitch darkness made the rescue operation challenging.
The operation continued throughout the night even as those rescued have been admitted to various hospitals in Tirurangady, Parappanagady, Kottakkal and Tanur. On Monday morning, authorities confirmed that 22 people lost their lives in the tragic incident. The deceased include seven children.
According to sources, the boat was overloaded with 35-40 people on board. Reports said most of the individuals on the boat were not wearing life jackets, and there were no inspections carried out by the authorities before the cruise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased. “Saddened by the loss of life in the boat accident at Malappuram in Kerala. Condolences to the families of the deceased. Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to next of kin of each person killed in the accident: PM,” the official handle of PMO tweeted.
