2 killed, over 20 injured in Rakhine road accidents during Thingyan

Narinjara News, 18 April 2023

At least two people were killed and more than 20 injured in various road accidents during Thingyan (water festival) across Rakhine State, said police 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 accidents in Sittwe during the festival (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 U Min Htay War, chairman of Shwe Young Metta Social Foundation.

"The person who died yesterday in Sittwe was hit by a motorcycle. However, there are a lesser number of accidents reported this time during the 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 on the electric road which resulted in 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 Kook ward drove the motorcycle and broke his right leg, informed a police officer from Taungup police station.

At least 4 people died and more than 20 injured in road accidents during the last year’s festival in Sittwe Township, stated Shwe Young Metta Social Foundation.