At least nine participants in a baptism ceremony have drowned in a suburb of the South African metropolis of Johannesburg.
The 33 people who gathered in Bramley Park on the banks of the Jukskei River on Saturday were caught off guard by a sudden flash flood and strong current, a spokesman for rescue workers said on Sunday.
The number of deaths is likely to increase
Since then, the bodies of nine baptized children have been recovered and eight more are missing. They will continue to be sought. However, the rescuers assumed that the number of deaths would rise further.
Four people drowned at a baptism in Limpopo province in June. South African authorities do not recommend conducting baptisms in rivers.
The spokesman for the rescue services also called on parishes to consider the dangers of storms and flooding when planning their rituals – especially in the current South African summer months. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
