National Desk, 8 May: At least 22 people were killed after a boat with more than 35 passengers drowned near Thuvalthiram Beats in Tonur area of Malappuram district in Kerala on Sunday evening. Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurhiman said 15 of the bodies of 20 people who were found have been identified. 11 people have also been rescued alive. The condition of seven of them is stated to be critical.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George convened an emergency meeting and took stock of the situation after the incident was reported. It also ordered to ensure better treatment of the injured in the accident and speed up the post mortem process from 6 am today.
“More people are likely to be trapped under the boat,” said Abdur Himan, personal assistant to state Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas who is overseeing the rescue operation. According to the local police, the reason behind the accident is yet to be ascertained in what circumstances the boat fell into an accident.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who is scheduled to visit the site today issued a statement expressing grief over the tragic accident. Chief Minister also asked the District Collector to carry out rescue operations at a greater speed. Large teams of fire and police, health department teams as well as locals from Tanur and Tirur have been involved in the rescue operation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the peace of the departed souls of those killed in this tragic accident. Prime Minister has also announced a one-time assistance of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the tragic incident and conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed.
Most of those killed in the accident are reported to be women and children. The police have already launched an investigation into the incident. According to reports, there was no security in the boat.