Two boats collided in the northern part of the Jonglei State capital, Bor on Saturday, leaving four people dead and six others injured, local officials said.
Elijah Thongbor Abraham, the Secretary-General of the Jonglei Boats’ Union, told Radio Tamazuj that the boats were transporting passengers and goods along the Nile when they crashed into each other in the Nyang area.
“A boat which left from Bor town loaded with logistical supplies and passengers collided with another boat that was coming from Hol swamp in Duk along the Nile in the area of Nyang at around 7 pm,” Abraham said.
“Four people drowned, including a young girl, while six others sustained injuries. The injured are being treated in Bor,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Samuel Bidit Puot, the Jonglei traffic police commissioner, said: “Four people; one from Twic East County, and three from Duk County, have drowned. Six other people are currently nursing wounds at the Bor hospital.”
For his part, Duk County Commissioner John Chatim said: “We have yet to identify those killed in the incident because their bodies are still missing. So, I am passing my heartfelt condolences to all the aggrieved families.”
Cases of boat accidents in Jonglei State have been on the rise recently with the latest case being reported in April this year.