6 dead, 37 injured as two boats collide near Bor

JUBA – At least six people have died and nearly 40 other people are said to be injured after a boats capsized near Jonglei state’s capital Bor after colliding with another boat heading to Panyigoor from Bor town, Sudans Post has learned.

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 and said the people died are four in number.

“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.