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Four children and a senior citizen died after an overloaded boat capsized in Narmada river in Nandurbar on Tuesday evening. At least 36 other tribals were rescued and rushed to Dhadgaon rural hospital, of which 10 remain serious.
About 60-70 tribals from Telkhedi village in Dhadgaon block were visiting the Narmada to worship on occasion of Makar Sankranti. Locals said the river is considered pious and the tribals visit it every year.
On Tuesday, they hired a private boat from Bhushagaon to reach the other end. The boat was ferrying double its capacity when it capsized.
The deceased were identified as Bhupendra Bharat Pawara (4), Geeta Pawara (12), Laxmi Bharat Pawara (4), Tulsi Ratilal Pawara (5) and Manu Pawara (60) suffered drowning. They were declared dead in Dhadgaon rural hospital. Of 36 others, 10 remain serious due to complications of drowning. “We have referred four of them to Nandurbar civil hospital,” said Dr. Nitin Bodke, district health officer.
RAW VIDEO: 5 drown as boat capsizes in Narmada river #Maharashtra
According to district officials, the government hires private boats for ferrying villagers along the Narmada shore. In villages like Manibeli and Bhushagaon, boats are the only means of transport. The boats also ferry to the other side till Gujarat shore.