Silvassa: A 15-year-old girl drowned in the Damanganga River at the Silvassa riverfront on Saturday evening after reportedly losing her balance while taking a photograph near a check dam during an Independence Day family outing.
The deceased was identified as Kajalkumari. Fire brigade personnel recovered her body on Sunday morning after an overnight search operation was briefly suspended due to darkness.
Tragic accident during family outing
Kajalkumari had visited Nakshatra Garden in Silvassa with her father Jitendra Ram, mother Madhuri and three other family members to mark Independence Day.
After visiting the garden, the family walked towards the adjoining Damanganga riverfront. Kajalkumari reportedly went close to the check dam perimeter to take a photograph on her mobile phone when she slipped and fell into the swollen river currents.
Her family raised an alarm, attracting the attention of people nearby, before emergency services were alerted.
Search resumes after darkness
Teams from the Silvassa Fire Department and local police reached the spot and began searching the river. Rescue personnel continued their efforts until darkness forced them to suspend the operation late Saturday evening.
Divers resumed the search early on Sunday and eventually recovered the girl’s body downstream.
Police took custody of the body and registered a case of accidental death.
Authorities urge caution near water bodies
The incident has renewed concerns over safety during the monsoon, when rivers and water bodies can have strong currents and slippery banks.
Authorities have repeatedly warned visitors against approaching riverbanks and other water bodies for bathing or taking selfies during the rainy season.
Officials have urged families visiting such locations to follow safety instructions and maintain a safe distance from swollen rivers and slippery structures.