22 children die in Nile boat accident: Sudan media
This picture taken on August 11, 2018 shows a view of the Nile river banks, in the eastern Mostorod neighbourhood of the district of Shubra al-Kheima on the northern outskirts of the capital Cairo. Several children died after their boat sank in the river. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- A woman also died when the vessel went down around 750 kilometres (470 miles) north of the capital Khartoum.
- Villagers in the region rely on wooden boats to cross the Nile.
KHARTOUM
At least 22 Sudanese children drowned on Wednesday when their boat sank in the Nile while they were on their way to school, official media said.
A woman also died when the vessel went down around 750 kilometres (470 miles) north of the capital Khartoum with more than 40 children on board, the Suna news agency reported.
"The accident was caused by engine failure halfway across because of a strong current," it said.
The victims' bodies have not yet been found, Suna added.
Villagers in the region rely on wooden boats to cross the Nile.
A witness told AFP by telephone that the boat had been crossing the river against the current.
"All the families (in the area) are in mourning," the witness, who did not want to be named, added.
