BREAKING: 12 feared dead as boat capsized in Nyabarongo River

Resident seen while briefing security officers on the incident on Saturday Morning Photo:Josee Uwiringira

Over 12 people are feared dead as a boat capsized on Saturday morning in Nyabarongo River, in Kamonyi District, Southern part of Rwanda.

According to Kigali Today correspondent in Kamonyi District, Josee Uwiringira Marie Josee, a boat carrying more than 23 people capsized as it tried to cross over Nyabarongo River. Some of passengers aboard were heading to Butamwa local market, in Rwanda’s capital Kigali.

By press time, residents had gathered at the scene in shock. Only 11 people were rescued by local fishermen near the River, our correspondent say.

The witnesses claim that the boat had more than 23 before it capsized.  Army and Police had arrived at the scene, as rescue operation intensified, she added.

Straton Uwizeyimana, an eye witness, says he escaped the morning disaster. “I was boarding the same boat. I saw it swinging around and escaped immediately. I started swimming as I tried to rescue those who were closer to me; I managed to pull up five women as the rest drowned.” Uwizeyimana told KTPress.

Residents gather at the river shore where passengers drowned Photo: Josee Uwiringira

Families of those who drowned still wait in vain. They fear their relatives are already dead, or have been eaten by stray crocodiles in the River. “This River harbours hundreds of deadly Crocodiles….am not sure my relatives are still arrive,” says one of the locals.

Efforts to reach Police Spokesperson, CSP Celestin Twahirwa, for a comment, were futile as his phone was temporarily busy.

Source : KT Press