Those who were pulled out of the water were admitted to nearby hospitals.
Malappuram:
At least 20 people, including women and children, were killed when a houseboat carrying around 30 passengers capsized and sank near Tuvalathiram beach in Tanur area of Malappuram district in Kerala on Sunday evening, the state government said.
Sports Minister V Abdurrahiman said 20 people were confirmed dead based on information received from various hospitals where people were pulled out of the water and admitted inside the boat.
Mr Abdurrahman said many of the dead were women and children who had come for rides in the middle of school holidays.
“More victims are believed to be trapped under the boat and have to be brought out. The boat capsized. The reason is not yet known. Police will investigate,” he told reporters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of people in the accident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the victims.
Saddened by the death of people in the boat accident in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. Ex-gratia amount of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased: PM @Narendra Modi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 7, 2023
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled the loss of lives and directed the Malappuram District Collector to carry out a coordinated emergency rescue operation.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident in Malappuram. The district administration has been directed to effectively coordinate the rescue operations, which are being monitored by cabinet ministers. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and friends.
– Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) May 7, 2023
Fire and police units, officials from the revenue and health departments and local people from Tanur and Tirur areas of the district were involved in the rescue operation, the statement said. It also said that ministers Abdurrahiman and Riyas would coordinate the rescue operation.
According to the police, the incident took place around 7 pm.
People pulled out of the water were admitted to nearby private and government hospitals. Police said that the exact cause of the accident could not be ascertained at the moment.
with inputs from agencies