Police investigate after a boat overturns on the Aliya River in Ahoada East and two siblings lose their lives.
The incident happened on Saturday evening when Mekalahi Gogochuri and Rejoice Gogochuri boarded a hand-paddled canoe with about seven passengers.
They wanted to return home from work. However, construction work blocked the usual bridge route so they took the water crossing.
The canoe leaked during the trip. As a result, the vessel overturned in the river.
Rescue teams reached the scene and pulled the other passengers to safety.
The two siblings did not survive.
In addition, the victims’ elder brother Abraham Gogochuri spoke to reporters.
He explained that the family blames the construction company for the situation.
Moreover, he called for officials to provide better crossing options and stronger boats with safety equipment.
Police officers from Ahoada Division visited the family on Sunday.
They arrested the boat operator and started an investigation into what happened.
The spokesperson confirmed the steps and said teams continue to gather facts.
Furthermore, the traditional ruler of the area expressed sorrow in a statement on Monday.
He sent condolences to the families and urged the community to stay together.
Residents now talk about the need for a reliable bridge so people do not depend on canoes for daily travel.
Officials plan to review the crossing arrangements in the coming days.
This event highlights how people in the area manage transport challenges after the old wooden bridge collapsed earlier.
Families hope for faster solutions to prevent similar situations in the future.
