Cause Overcrowding Deaths 31 | Outcome Boat capsized | |
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Date 9 February 2014 (2014-02-09) Participants Crew and 115 passengers | ||
2014 Hirakud Boat Disaster was an accident that occurred on 9 February 2014 in the Reservoir of the Hirakud Dam in the Sambalpur district of Indian State of Odisha. The incident occurred when a boat carrying about 115 passengers on board, capsized in the reservoir. The disaster killed 31 people.
Contents
Accident
The mishap occurred near Pitapali area inside the Hirakud reservoir at around 4.30 PM when a large group of picnickers were returning in an overcrowded motor boat. As per eyewitnesses, the motorboat capsized after water entered into it following a snag. The passengers tried to drain out the water from the boat unsuccessfully. Many of the passengers also jumped off the boat in panic. It was later noted the boat did not have basic safety measures.
Rescue
Fire fighters, units of Rapid Action Force were deployed for rescue operations. A six-member scuba diver team also joined the crew and they were trying to enter the boat to find the missing people.