Tragic Incident in Surat: Father and Daughter Killed During Fishing Trip
A devastating accident in Surat has claimed the lives of a father and his young daughter while they were engaged in fishing activities on the Tapi River. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when construction work was actively underway for the ambitious bullet train project bridge connecting Kamrej and Kathor villages.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The Utran police have identified the deceased as Mohsin Ikbal Shaikh (35) and his nine-year-old daughter Huma. According to police reports, Mohsin, a resident of Badat street in Kathor village of Kamrej taluka, was fishing in the Tapi River along with his mother Mumtaz Shaikh (55) and daughter when tragedy struck.
The fatal accident occurred when a heavy angle iron fell directly onto their fishing boat from the construction site. The impact caused the boat to overturn immediately, throwing all three occupants into the river waters. Mumtaz Shaikh managed to raise an alarm, alerting nearby workers to the emergency situation.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
In an official press release issued later on Saturday, the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) detailed the rescue operation. A workman at the construction site heard the distress call and rushed to the location, where he noticed a woman struggling in the water. The worker promptly jumped into the river and rescued Mumtaz Shaikh.
During the rescue operation, it became apparent that two more individuals from the same boat had fallen into the water. Local fishermen who reached the location shortly afterward managed to trace and retrieve both Mohsin and his daughter Huma from the river. Tragically, medical examination confirmed that neither could be revived.
A police team arrived at the scene and sent the bodies for post-mortem examination. Inspector D U Barad stated, "The girl died due to drowning and Mohsin suffered a head injury. We have registered an accidental death case and started a probe."
Current Status and Investigation
Doctors confirmed on Saturday evening that Mumtaz Shaikh's condition remains stable following the traumatic incident. The NHSRCL release emphasized that both the corporation and its contractor are providing full cooperation to police authorities in the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident.
This incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols at construction sites, particularly those involving major infrastructure projects near water bodies where local communities engage in traditional activities like fishing. The bullet train project, which aims to revolutionize transportation between major cities, now faces scrutiny regarding its safety measures during construction phases.
The Tapi River, which flows through Surat, has been a source of livelihood for local fishing communities for generations. This tragic event highlights the potential risks when large-scale infrastructure projects intersect with traditional community activities in sensitive environmental zones.
