Patna, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A boat carrying labourers engaged in flood-control and anti-erosion work capsized in the Ganga in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district on Wednesday, leaving six workers missing, officials said.
The incident took place in the Raghopur Panchayat area under Kharik block of Naugachia police district, where work is underway to protect the Kazikoraiya-Raghopur Zamindari embankment from the river’s strong current.
Preliminary information suggests that 18 labourers were aboard the boat when it lost balance amid the strong current and overturned in the middle of the river. Twelve workers managed to reach the riverbank, while six remained unaccounted for.
The accident triggered panic in the area, particularly after a video purportedly showing the incident surfaced on social media.
Following the alert, the local administration and police reached the site along with a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team equipped with motorboats and life jackets. Experienced divers have joined the search operation, while local divers and villagers are also assisting the rescue teams.
Authorities are examining the possibility that some of the missing workers could be trapped beneath the overturned boat. Senior administrative and police officials are monitoring the operation at the site.
The boat was carrying labourers and construction material for anti-erosion work being undertaken to protect Raghopur from flooding and damage to the embankment. The work is being carried out under the Water Resources Department through contractor Rajkumar Singh.
Workers from areas including Ghogha, Ismailpur and Parbatta were among those travelling on the boat.
Raghopur is also the ancestral village of Bihar Energy Minister Shailesh Kumar, alias Bulo Mandal.
The administration is continuing efforts to establish the exact number of missing persons and ascertain whether there have been any other casualties. Rescue operations are being conducted amid the strong current in the Ganga.
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