The Nile river. (Photo: Nile Basin Initiative.)

At least three people have been killed and ten others injured following a boat accident in Melut County, Upper Nile State, authorities have confirmed.

The State Minister of Information, Peter Ngwojo, told Eye Radio on Wednesday that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening at around 7:00 p.m., while the boat was traveling from Renk to Malakal.

According to Ngwojo, the boat was transporting returnees and refugees from Sudan under the facilitation of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The passengers were being moved to the transit center in Malakal, where some were expected to settle in the town, while others were to be transferred to Juba and designated refugee camps.

“The accident happened yesterday evening around 7:00 p.m. in Melut County. The boat was coming from Renk,” Ngwojo said. “As you know, IOM has been transporting returnees and refugees from Sudan to the transit center in Malakal before they are taken to their final destinations.”

He added that the boat was carrying approximately 300 passengers at the time of the accident.

“When the accident occurred in Melut, four people died immediately, and ten others sustained injuries,” Ngwojo said, citing information from the Melut County Commissioner.

The injured are currently receiving treatment at Melut Civil Hospital, authorities confirmed. Local authorities say investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.