Boat Collision in Barak River: Over 50 Escape Near-Fatal Crash

A major mishap was narrowly averted on Saturday evening after two engine-powered passenger boats collided midstream in the Barak River near Siddheshwar Ferry Ghat in Katigorah, Cachar district. The accident caused panic among more than 50 passengers onboard, but timely intervention helped prevent any casualties.

According to eyewitnesses, one of the boats had set off from the Katigorah bank carrying around 50 to 60 passengers and was headed toward Badarpur. A short distance into the journey, the vessel reportedly suffered a mechanical failure, stalling in the middle of the river. Caught in the river’s strong current and unable to regain control, the boat drifted into the path of another incoming passenger boat, resulting in a head-on collision.

The force of the impact led to a wave of panic. Several terrified passengers screamed for help, while a few reportedly jumped into the water in fear of drowning. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.

Local authorities and personnel from the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Department rushed to the spot and managed to tow the stalled boat to safety. All passengers were safely evacuated.

The incident has raised serious concerns about safety measures and the operational condition of engine boats ferrying passengers across the Barak River. Regular technical inspections and stricter enforcement of safety protocols have been demanded by locals and commuters who rely heavily on these water routes for daily transport.

As of now, the Inland Water Transport Department is yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of the mechanical failure and whether the boats involved were operating with valid safety certifications.

Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.

Also Read: Assam: Heavy Flooding in Barak River Forces Closure of Katigorah Ferry Service in Cachar