A school picnic turned tragic on Thursday when a boat capsized in a lake outside of Vadodara, Gujarat. At least 16 people were killed, 14 students and two teachers, according to police officials. The tragedy happened in the afternoon while twenty students and four teachers enjoyed a picnic and a boat ride in Harni Lake. According to the officials, a search operation was in progress to locate the missing individuals.

“So far, the tragedy has claimed the lives of 14 children and two teachers. One student who was saved is receiving treatment at SSG Hospital,” a Harni Police Station representative stated.

Soon after the incident, the Collector, Police Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, more than 55 National Disaster Relief Fund jawans, and a Fire Brigade reached the tragic spot. According to the reports, 20 people have been rescued so far.

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The Prime Minister’s office announced ₹2 lakh in ex-gratia after the accident. Regretted about the deaths caused by a boat capsize at Vadodara’s Harni Lake. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased during this time of loss. I hope the injured person heals quickly. The affected parties are receiving every support that the local government can muster. The next of kin of each deceased would receive an ex-gratia payment from PMNRF of Rs. 2 lakh. The wounded would receive Rs. fifty thousand. 

Russy Wadia, New Sunrise School’s trustee, said, “The incident happened as the boat was overloaded. Our teachers had told the people out there about it. However, they started the boat without even providing life jackets to all the students.” 

According to a senior police official, a boat turned turtle in Vadodara’s Harni Motnath Lake on Thursday, killing 14 people—including 12 schoolchildren. A case has been filed. “In Harni Motnath Lake, a boat carrying children capsized,” said Leela Patil, DCP Vadodara, in an interview with ANI. In this incident, fourteen people have perished. There is a registered case. The corpses’ post-mortem is currently in progress.