At least 10 killed in Vrindavan after boat capsizes in Yamuna, collides with pontoon bridge

A festive pilgrimage turned into a nightmare on Friday afternoon as a boat carrying approximately 25 to 30 pilgrims capsized in the Yamuna River near Keshighat in Vrindavan, Mathura. According to district authorities, the vessel was carrying tourists from Punjab when it swayed violently—reportedly due to gusty winds—and collided with a submerged pontoon bridge. The impact caused the overcrowded boat to overturn close to the bridge, sparking immediate panic and a massive rescue effort.

Mathura District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh confirmed that at least 10 people have lost their lives in the "very unfortunate" accident. Rescue teams, including local police, fire services, and over 50 local divers, reached the site within minutes. While initial reports indicated that 14 people were pulled from the water, updated police statements suggest that up to 22 individuals have been rescued and transported to local hospitals for urgent medical care.

Search operations are currently intensifying as nearly a dozen passengers remain unaccounted for in the river's deeper sections. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to assist local divers in the ongoing recovery efforts. Mathura DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey noted that the accident occurred around 3:15 pm, and investigators are looking into overcrowding and weather conditions as primary contributing factors.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken official cognizance of the tragedy and expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister has directed district officials to expedite all relief measures and ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. Furthermore, instructions have been issued to provide immediate financial compensation to the families of the deceased as per state disaster relief norms.