At least 20 people, mainly schoolchildren, are believed to have died in Zambia after a boat capsized during celebrations for the nation’s golden anniversary of independence, the state-run news service reported Friday.
The boat went down on Lake Kariba in the southern African nation, with three teachers and 21 pupils on board, the ZANIS agency reported, citing a police source.
They were travelling to another school for nationwide celebrations to mark 50 years since Zambia won independence from Britain in 1964.
“About 24 people from Henga Primary school in Gwembe are feared dead on Lake Kariba today after the boat they were travelling in capsized,” the source said.
The country’s President Michael Sata, who has not been seen in public in weeks, left the country for a medical check-up on Sunday.
Sata’s press aide George Chellah did not disclose the destination of the 77-year-old head of state or say whether he is being treated.
“His excellency, Michael Chilufya Sata, the president of Zambia, last night left for a medical check-up abroad. First lady Christine Kaseba, some family members and his press aide have accompanied the head of state,” a presidency statement said.
Sata has long been rumoured to be seriously ill and has not been seen in public since returning from the UN General Assembly last month, where he failed to make a scheduled speech.