No fewer than five people have lost their lives following a boat accident on the Bennett Island River in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The tragic event occurred on Monday night, leaving the local community in shock.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital.
According to Edafe, one individual is still missing, while several others were injured in the accident.
“There was a boat accident along Bennett Island River in Warri South,” he said. “Five persons were found dead, six persons injured and still receiving treatment. Nineteen persons were rescued from the scene, while one is still missing.”
The injured victims are reportedly receiving medical care at nearby facilities, while search and rescue efforts continue for the missing individual.
The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, but authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the tragic event. Incidents like these have raised concerns about the safety of water transportation in the area, especially as it remains a vital mode of transport for many residents in Delta State.
Local leaders and stakeholders have called for enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future. Efforts are also being made to provide support to the families of the victims and survivors of this heartbreaking incident.