A 15-year-old girl has drowned after falling into a river, the Information Officer for Gogrial East County, Mariak Madut Thiik, has said.

Mr Mariak says the girl died on her way home with a school friend after the morning lesson yesterday.

The victim’s friend has been taken to Lietnhom health facility for treatment.

“They always crossed the river at the same place on their way back from school,” he described.

“They crossed in the deep waters and she drowned immediately.

“When her eight-year-old friend followed her, she also went under water but she was rescued by people who were nearby.”

Mariak urged parents and relatives of pupils to help them cross the river when they go to school.