Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): At least 34 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh had a providential escape when their boat capsized in the Ganges river in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday morning. The incident took place in front of the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
The swimmers and boat drivers immediately jumped into the waters and rescued the pilgrims. The local officials immediately rushed to the spot and initiated rescue operations. The 34 pilgrims came from East Godavari in AP. Further details are awaited.
Two of the illfated pilgrims felt uncomfortable and sick after being rescued from the river. They were rushed to the divisional hospital at Kabirchaura. One pilgrim named Suman said that the boat was getting filled with water after it reached the middle of the river. There was a scramble and everyone became panicky. Some jumped into the river.
The Dashashwamedh police came to the spot. They said the boat was old, had cracks and got filled with water before sinking. The boatman concerned fled from the spot after the mishap.
