After MP’s Jabalpur was jolted by a fatal cruise accident, which claimed the lives of nine people, the state government has initiated strict action against the ones held accountable. MP Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav informed on Friday that several employees linked to the incident have either been dismissed or suspended with immediate effect.

CM Dr Yadav sheds light on action

CM Dr Yadav tweeted on his official ‘X’ handle, informing the cruise pilot Mahesh Patel, helper Chhotelal Gond and ticket counter in-charge Brijendra have been terminated. Apart from this, manager of Hotel Maikal Resort and Bargi Boat Club, Sunil Maravi has been suspended. His tweet further read that regional manager Sanjay Malhotra has been attached to the headquarters, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated against him.

Death toll stands at 9

On Friday, the death toll in the incident, which stood at 4 on Thursday, rose to 9. The incident unfolded near Khamaria island at Bargi Dam on the Narmada River, where a tourist-laden cruise capsized after a storm. As per authorities, four passengers are still missing, and rescue operations are on in full swing to locate them. As many as 15 people managed to swim to safety, while 18 of them were rescued by safety personnel during the operation.

Mishap attributed to sudden storm

Rescue operations were launched after the incident

Eyewitnesses said that an intense and sudden storm lashed the region, causing the cruise to lose balance and turn over. Panic ensued among the passengers, as they scrambled to escape. CM Dr Yadav immediately directed the authorities and leaders to take stock of the situation and oversee the rescue operation.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the scene and began the rescue efforts. Until their arrival, the locals also lent contribution in pulling the passengers to safety. The operations continued through the night, and darkness posed sizable challenges, despite the use of high-powered torches and other equipment.

CM calls on kin of deceased in Jabalpur

CM consoling a bereaved man, who lost his relatives in the mishap

Earlier, on Friday, CM Dr Yadav met the relatives of the ones who lost their lives in the incident. He extended condolences to the kin of the deceased, consoled them and assured them of full support from the state government.

Also read: MP CM Dr Yadav calls on kin of Bargi Dam victims in Jabalpur, consoles them; SOPs likely for water sports