Vijayawada boat accident: Chandrababu expresses deep regret, initiates inquiry

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in a statement at the Legislative Assembly on Monday afternoon, said that 20 people have died and two others are still missing in the boat capsized incident that took place at Pavitrasangamam in river Krishna, near Vijayawada on Sunday evening.

Chandrababu said that 20 bodies had been recovered so far from the river and search is continuing to trace two more bodies--- Sujana and Ashwika. 16 bodies were fished out of the river last night and the recovery of four more bodies this morning; the deceased included nine women and a teenaged boy.

He added that four other victims were undergoing treatment in a private hospital and the condition of one is serious.

Observing that the tragedy occurred due to the greed of the private operator and the boat was operated without taking permission of authorities concerned, the Chief Minister expressed his deep regret over the mishap.

He announced Rs 10 lakh as ex-gratia to the families of each deceased.

The overloaded boat carrying nearly 45 people capsized on Sunday close to the Pavitra Sangamam at Ferry village near Vijayawada.

The Chief Minister also stated that a two-member committee comprising an IAS and an IPS officer would inquire into the incident along with suggest safety and precautionary measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.