EASTERN PROVINCE

Gatsibo—Three people, including a senior four student of Umutara Polytechnic, have drowned in Lake Muhazi while crossing from Gishari to Gakoni cell in Kiramuruzi sector this weekend.

"Eleven people were sailing on a canoe boat when strong winds blew and the boat overturned, leaving all in the waters of lake Muhazi,” said Umutara director Peter Kabanda Claver.

While eight have survived, the other three have still not been found and are presumed dead.

Crossing using watercraft is not uncommon in the area, but the incident has left many shocked.

School authorities and students are already prepared for burial and have put everything in place for burial at any time when the corpse is being found.

The victim’s identities include Emmanuel Nkurikiyeinka, a student of Umutara polytechnic (Gakoni) in veterinary department in year four, Grace Mukantwali, from Gishari sector.

The third deceased is still not known.

Superintendent Medari Hakuzwayezu said he was unaware of the event, though other officers were able to confirm the drowning. The reason for the discrepancy by the police is unknown.

Ends