At least 11 people, including children, have died after a boat capsized in the Ganges River in the Indian state of Bihar. Five people were rescued alive, and rescue operations are ongoing to locate those still missing.

The accident occurred late Tuesday night (October 13) in the Raghopur area of Hajipur, Bihar. Indian media outlet NDTV reported the incident on Wednesday.

Police stated that the boat overturned in the middle of the river while passengers were on their way to attend a dinner invitation at a home in a neighboring village. According to local residents, there were approximately 15 to 20 passengers on board. When the vessel capsized near Rampur Shyamsachak village, locals immediately rushed to initiate rescue efforts.

Upon receiving the news, police from the Raghopur station and rescue teams arrived at the scene. Divers were deployed into the Ganges to conduct search operations, recovering bodies one by one as the search progressed.

Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh confirmed that 11 people, including children, have died in the tragedy. Five survivors were rescued and taken to a hospital; further details on their medical condition are currently unavailable.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Authorities are working to verify the total number of passengers on board, how many have been rescued, and the exact count of the missing by questioning eyewitnesses and inspecting the circumstances surrounding the capsizing.