At least 13 children died after an overcrowded boat capsized in the Ganges River in India’s eastern Bihar state, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred late Tuesday in the Vaishali district as passengers were travelling by boat to attend a Hindu festival-related gathering. According to officials, the vessel was carrying an estimated 15 to 20 people when it overturned.

Local residents rushed to help those struggling in the water, using mobile phone lights and torches during the nighttime rescue effort. Six people were pulled out alive, including two children who were reported to be in critical condition.

A local villager told AFP that the boat was small and in poor condition, raising concerns about overcrowding and safety precautions.

Vaishali District Magistrate Varsha Singh confirmed that 13 bodies had been recovered. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced compensation for the victims’ families.

The incident has renewed concerns about safety on India’s waterways, where overcrowding and inadequate safety equipment have contributed to deadly boat accidents.