Kendrapara: The death toll in the boat capsize incident in Mahanadi river mouth near Nipania in Kendrapara reached nine after eight more bodies were recovered late last night.
All the deceased including two women and seven children have been identified as residents of Hasina village in Kujang area of Jagatsinghpur. As per latest reports, one person is still missing.
Sources said as many as 55 passengers were returning after a picnic at the Light House at Hukitola island of the Mahanadi river for the New Year, when the mishap occurred. Out of the total passengers travelling in the boat, 45 persons are safe.
After getting information about the mishap last evening, fire brigade and coast guard teams reached the spot and carried out rescue operations till 3 am on Thursday.
The bodies will be brought to Chaumuhana in Paradip in a boat of the Forest department and later sent to the hospital for post mortem, added sources.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to next of kin of deceased and free medical treatment to the injured.
Transport Minister Nrusingha Sahu stated a probe has been ordered and action will be taken after getting the report.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed sadness over the incident:
Former MP Baijayant 'Jay' Panda also expressed grief over the incident and stated in a tweet message:
OPCC cheif Niranjan Patnaik condoles the loss of nine lives in the bopat accident: