UPDATED VERSION: Truckload of rice falls into sea at Auki

A truckload of rice ditched into the sea at the Auki wharf on Malaita during lunch hour today.

The 2.5-ton truck lost control and fell into the sea after loading cargo shipped from Honiara.

An eyewitness said the truck was loaded with many bags of rice when the accident happened.

Auki Police co firmed to SBMOnline that the truck was being loaded by casual workers when the incident occurred.

They also confirmed that when the incident happen the driver was not on his seat

“I also saw that those who were at the wharf were jumping into the sea and they came up with bags of rice in their arms. I believe they have taken the bags for themselves,” the witness said.

Police say no one was injured but the truck, owned by a Chinese businessman has sunk to the bottom of the sea-bed.