Four people died on the spot while 24 others were injured when a church building collapsed in Gahunga, Burera District in the Northern Province on New Year’s Day.

The deceased were identified as Naphtal Ngarambe, 64, Pelagie Uwimana, 24, Zawadi Tumukunde, 9, and Dorcas Umubyeyi, 5.

Police said the incident happened around mid day local time at an unfinished Adventist Church.

The injured were taken to Ruhengeri Hospital as investigations continue, according to Police.

Apart from that incident, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) said the country was generally calm as people ushered in the New Year.

"The situation has been calm and generally, security has improved during this festive season compared to last year. There is an improved sense of responsibility by the merry making public and we encourage people to keep the spirit,” CSP Celestin Twahirwa, the Police spokesman, said.

"We had a very calm night yesterday (New Year’s Eve) apart from four minor accidents where people had scratches,” he said.

According to Twahirwa, generally, all public events, churches, bars and night clubs operated peacefully.

"RNP commends the public for maintaining security during this festive season,” Twahirwa said.

Drunk drivers get free ride

Meanwhile, on New Year’s Eve, the Police reportedly transported home two drunkards who "called for driving assistance.” The two, were picked from separate locations, K-Club and Flamingo in Kigali and given a free hand by police officers.

"There is no crime in asking Police for a ride. The only mistake would have been driving under the influence of alcohol,” Twahirwa said.