In October, a total of 72 people died when an overloaded ferry carrying hundreds of teachers, students, and workers sank in central Myanmar.
Following the incident, authorities arrested five individuals — the captain, two ferry workers who were onboard, and the two boat owners. However, only three of the five — the captain and the boat owners — are now being charged, reports The Irrawaddy.
The captain, Zaw Myo Win, had initially evaded authorities, but eventually turned himself in. He is being charged at the Yinmabin District Court under Section 304 (a) of the Myanmar Penal Code (”Causing death by negligence”).
The owners of the boat, Htay Zaw and Myint Kway, are being charged at the Kani Township Court for failure to comply with legal water transport facility policies.
Approximately 240-250 people — around 100 more than its capacity — along with heavy cargo were onboard the ship. Since the accident, citizens and officials have called for better transportation facilities, including upgraded and safer boats.
