LUNDU: Three teenage victims of a tragic boat accident in Sungai Batang Kayan were laid to rest at Kampung Selampit Cemetery today (Aug 23).
The burial ceremony began with the interment of 14-year-old Alsma Jithil, followed by 16-year-old Helena Fasha Petrus at 10.44 am.
Both students were buried side by side after a solemn prayer service according to the Baha’i faith.
The funeral procession continued with the burial of 15-year-old Vilkie Wilson at around 11.30 am.
Prior to the interment, a service was held at St. Gregory Catholic Church in Kampung Selampit.
The sombre atmosphere was palpable as the three students were mourned by their teachers, classmates, relatives, villagers, and Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang.
The ceremony concluded at 12.30pm.
Alsma, Helena, and Vilkie perished in a boating accident on Tuesday (Aug 20), when the boat they were travelling in, along with 15 other students from Kampung Selampit, capsized in Sungai Batang Kayan. The students were on their way to SMK Senibong when the tragedy occurred early that morning.
