At least four women were killed in a boat accident along the River Nile in Jonglei State’s Fangak County on Friday night, local officials said.
Fangak County Commissioner Biel Boutros told Radio Tamazuj over the weekend that the incident occurred when a commuter boat carrying passengers from Juba caught fire and later sank near Fangak.
“The incident happened on Friday night between Tonga in Upper Nile State and Fangak County. According to reports I got from the local Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) authorities, the boat left Juba for New Fangak through Bor,” he said. “I am still waiting for more details but it has been confirmed that there are casualties and some people have been rescued. According to preliminary reports, I remember at least four women died. A small child was rescued and we are now planning to see how to assist to transport her to Juba or Malakal.”
Commissioner Biel said investigations are ongoing to find out how the accident happened.
On her part, Elizabeth Nyadak Jok, the Jonglei State information minister, said the incident was a tragedy as three members of the same family were among those who died.
“It is sad news for the people of Fangak County and Jonglei as a whole. Three women and a young girl were killed. Among them are two co-wives and their daughter,” she lamented. Several people were rescued including the husband of two of the deceased women and his six-month-old baby.”
Meanwhile, Elijah Thongbor Abraham, the secretary-general of the Boat Trade Union, urged coxswains to be cautious while navigating the River Nile and said boat accidents have become rampant of late.