Guwahati: Two passenger boats collided in Brahmaputra River in Jorhat in Assam on Wednesday caused 30 people and death of one woman in the incident. According to the sources the accident occurred at around 4 pm and nearly 200 passengers were onboard the boats when they crashed into each other at Nimati Ghat in Jorhat around 350 km from Guwahati.

One of the boats a Government passenger ferry of the Inland Water Transport Department was coming from Majuli (a river island district in Assam) to Nimati Ghat with around 120 passengers on board while the other boat was going in the opposite direction. The boat capsizing after the collision as some passengers tried to hold on to it while others jumped into the water to save themselves. The passengers’ luggage along with motorbikes and cars on the boats also washed away in the river, said sources.

SDRF and NDRF officials reached the spot and started rescue operations. Around 42 people, including a baby, have been rescued till now from which many have been sent to hospitals. State Government has suspended three officials of Inland Water Transport Department after the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Twitter said that all possible efforts are being made to rescue the passengers. Saddened by the boat accident in Assam and I pray for everyone’s safety and well being. Modi also called Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to enquire about the boat accident and all help from the Centre in rescue operations.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after the incident directed the District administration of Majuli and Jorhat districts to carry out the rescue mission expeditiously with the help of the NDRF and SDRF. I am pained at the tragic boat accident near Nimati Ghat, Jorhat, the Chief Minister wrote. He said he will visit Nimati Ghat tomorrow to evaluate the situation.

The army is also on stand-by to provide help with rescue operations. Assam has issued emergency numbers following the accident.