Mozambique: Six Mecúfi communities stranded due to the closure of the road to Chiúre - RM
Photo: O País
Seven people were killed and 27 injured due in a maritime accident in the town of Maxixe, Inhambane province on Sunday afternoon, following a fire in the engine of the vessel in which the victims were travelling.
The seven dead include children, and the 27 injured three seriously, according to an Inhambane provincial government press release, which characterised the incident as a “maritime accident [which] occurred at the Maxixe pier and involved an off-board motor vessel carrying more than 70 passengers”.
The injured attended Chicuque Rural Hospital and have been discharged with the exception of the three seriously injured.
Maritime authorities say the incident was caused by a short-circuit in the engine which occurred when the crew started the boat to begin the crossing from Maxixe to Inhambane. Seeing signs of fire, the passengers panicked and the boat overturned.
The provincial government of Inhambane addressed its “most heartfelt condolences” to the families affected by the tragedy, and held an emergency meeting to constitute a commission of inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.
The provincial government has also supported the bereaved families by assisting in the transfer of the deceased from the Chicuque hospital to their home districts of Homoine, Massinga, Morrumbene and city of Inhambane.
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