Flash floods kill 14 during baptism ceremony in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG

At least 14 bodies have been retrieved from the Jukskei River in Johannesburg where flash floods swept away worshipers over the weekend, an official said.

Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson of the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), said the incident happened on Saturday.

“About 33 congregants were conducting baptism along the Jukskei River when a storm came and swept away some people. The total number of bodies recovered is 14. Two were recovered on Saturday and 12 on Sunday,” Mulaudzi told state broadcaster SABC on Sunday night.

Mulaudzi told reporters on Monday that search and rescue operations were continuing.

Worshippers in Johannesburg usually gather along the Jukskei River and other water streams to perform baptism.