Gurpreet Singh :- A devastating boat accident in the Yamuna river at Vrindavan has claimed the lives of 10 pilgrims, with seven members of a single family among the deceased, plunging parts of Punjab into mourning. The victims are reported to be from Ludhiana and Jagraon, where grief-stricken families are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
According to accounts from survivors, the group comprising nearly 130 devotees who had travelled in two buses—had arrived in Vrindavan for religious visit and were staying near an ashram. The accident occurred when they boarded a steamer to cross the river.
Eyewitnesses said the vessel ran into trouble near a pontoon bridge. Despite repeated warnings from passengers to slow down as the boat approached the structure, the operator allegedly failed to act in time. The steamer reportedly avoided collision twice, but on the third attempt, it struck the bridge and overturned, throwing several passengers into the river.
Survivors described scenes of chaos and panic as people struggled to stay afloat. Many were unable to escape the strong currents, leading to multiple fatalities.
Rescue teams, including local divers, launched immediate operations to retrieve those trapped in the water. Divers later recounted the difficulty of the rescue effort, stating that several bodies were recovered after extensive search operations.
The bodies have since been transported back to Punjab, where last rites are being performed amid an atmosphere of deep sorrow. Survivors, still in shock, said the terrifying moments continue to haunt them, as the scale of the tragedy becomes clearer with each passing hour.
