10 children missing after boat capsizes in Rwanda

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - At least 10 children are missing after a boat capsized in a river in Rwanda, an official said Tuesday.

Jacqueline Kayitare, the mayor of the Muhanga district, said the incident occurred on Monday when the victims were using a wooden boat to cross the Nyabarongo river.

“Fourteen people were aboard a wooden boat from Muhanga district on their way to the Ngororero district when the accident occurred at around 5 p.m. local time,” Kayitare told reporters.

She said they feared the missing children aged between nine and 13 could be dead, although rescue efforts by the country’s marine forces are ongoing.

Police said a 41-year-old man, who was peddling the boat, has been arrested for questioning in connection with the incident.

The man under police custody is among the four people who were rescued.

Local residents said the man had rented a boat and was transporting children across the river to go and help him load tiles for his construction works.