Narinjara News, 18 April 2023

At least two people were killed and more than 20 injured in various road accidents during Thingyan (waterfestival) across Rakhine State, saidpolice and social aid organizations.

The two deceased hailed from Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State, and Taungup, a southern district town of Rakhine.

Shwe Young Metta Social Foundation informs that over 20 people were injured, and one died in road accidentsin Sittwe during thefestival (13 to 17 April).

The accidents took place on 17 April, the first day of Rakhine New Year. Three incidents of road accidents took place, informed UMin Htay War, chairman of ShweYoung Metta Social Foundation.

"The person who died yesterday in Sittwe was hit by a motorcycle. However, there are a lesser number ofaccidents reported this time duringthe water festival," he added.

Altogether 24 road accidents took place during the festival injuring a few women too.

Most of the road accidents took place because drunk riders drive the two-wheelers.

In another incident that took place in Taungup (on 13 April), a motorcyclist collided with a truck onthe electric road which resultedin the killing of one individual on the spot and another
injuring seriously.

The deceased has been identified as Ko Tun Tun Naing (alias) Ko Naidu (46 years old) hailing from Guta ward.Thein Chet Aung (41) from Chouk Kookward drove the motorcycle and broke his right leg, informed a police officer from Taungup policestation.

At least 4 people died and more than 20 injured in road accidents during the last year’s festival inSittwe Township, statedShwe Young Metta SocialFoundation.