At least 14 participants in a baptism ceremony drowned in a suburb of the South African metropolis of Johannesburg. A sudden flash flood and strong current affected 33 people who had gathered Saturday night at Bramley Park on the banks of the Jukskei River, Robert Mulaudzi, spokesman for the rescue services, said on Sunday.
The rescuers had previously reported nine dead and five more bodies were found on Sunday.
Pastor survived
According to the spokesman, rescue workers and firefighters continued to search for missing persons. It was unclear how many people were still missing. Hopes of finding survivors are waning, Mulaudzi added. “When the storm broke out, many stood in the riverbed and performed rituals, baptisms” or purification rituals, Mulaudzi reported. “They were swept away by the current.” The pastor involved survived.
Flash floods are common in this part of Johannesburg. In the summer season there are strong thunderstorms almost every evening.
Source: Krone
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