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In a heartbreaking incident, at least 12 students and two teachers are feared to have drowned in western India after a boat, transporting them to a school picnic, capsized on Harni Lake in Vadodara, Gujarat. Vadodara City Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot confirmed the tragic toll in a statement to BBC Gujarati, underlining the gravity of the situation. The search and rescue operation is currently underway, but the cause of the capsizing remains unknown.
Reports indicate that approximately 27 individuals were on board the ill-fated boat, with local authorities stating that up to seven people have been rescued from the water. Police Commissioner Gehlot further conveyed that the rescued children are currently receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
The unfolding tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the school picnic, turning a day of joy into one marked by sorrow and loss. As the rescue efforts persist, local authorities, including the police and emergency services, are mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact of the incident and provide support to the affected families.
This unfortunate incident highlights the unpredictable nature of such emergencies and the immediate response required to address the aftermath. The focus now turns to the ongoing rescue operation and the well-being of those who have been rescued, as the community grapples with the profound impact of this devastating event.
