Two people died and eleven others sustained injuries when a taxi minibus ferrying passengers on the Musanze-Rubavu highway lost control and plunged into River Sebeya, police have confirmed.

The accident occurred at around 9:30am at Mahoko trading centre in Kanama Sector near Nyakiriba Taxi Park.

Two people including a one and a half year-old boy died on the spot while 11 sustained severe injuries, according to Superintendent Emmanuel Hitayezu, the Western Province Police Spokesperson.

The deceased were identified as Fabien Uwiringiyimana, 24 and Patrick Hitayezu, the child.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the Hiace registration number RAC626E failed tocontrol it due to brake failure and fought with it in vain before he drove it to Sebeya River.

"The accident was due to mechanical defect,” said Hitayezu, adding that by the time the police came to the rescue two people were already dead.

Eyewitnesses said that the vehicle was descending from the direction of Musanze at high speed.

"Some people on board could be heard screaming before it ended in the river,” said Theoneste Mvuyekure, one of the eyewitnesses.

The injured were rushed to Gisenyi Hospital and according to DR. William Kanyankore, the hospital director, they were out of danger.

"We have received all eleven people and they are in stable condition apart from one kid who is in neonatology and in critical conditions. We are hopeful that all will be treated and their conditions will improve soon,” said Kanyankore.

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