At least 20 dead after a ferry sinks in Central African Republic, witnesses say
BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — At least 20 people have drowned in Central African Republic after a ferry sank while carrying passengers on a river, witnesses said Saturday.
The wooden ferry was carrying more than 300 people to a funeral over the Mpoko River in the capital, Bangui, on Friday when it started to collapse, witnesses told The Associated Press on Saturday. Local boat pilots and fishermen were the first to react and rescued victims and collected bodies from the river before the emergency services arrived.
One fisherman who involved in the rescue, Adrien Mossamo, said that at least 20 bodies were found while waiting for the military to arrive.
“It’s a horrible day,” he said.
The death toll is rising as the military takes over the search, officials at Bangui University Hospital Center said. The exact number of deaths is currently unknown and the government didn’t comment.
Civil society groups and local political parties sent their condolences in social media posts and called for an inquest into the sinking.
Related articles
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
JERUSALEM (AP) — The helicopter crash in which Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreig2024-05-21The Block's Liberty Paschke reveals her horrifying encounter with a magpie: 'I'm so scared'
Liberty Paschke has detailed her horrifying encounter with a magpie which left her feeling 'scared'.2024-05-21Kenya president postpones reopening of schools as flood
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan President William Ruto has postponed next week’s planned reopening of s2024-05-21- MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The ball left Anthony Edwards’ right hand and bounced off the back rim at the buz2024-05-21
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
She is one of America's most recognisable fashion models.And Bella Hadid continued to show why she i2024-05-21People share moments their beloved pets have given them a fright
Around the world, people enrich their lives with the loving company of pets to cuddle and nurture.Fo2024-05-21
atest comment