At least 148 people have died after a motorised wooden boat caught fire and capsized on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The vessel, identified as HB Kongolo, was reportedly carrying up to 500 passengers including women and children, when the incident occurred on Tuesday in the country’s northwest, near the town of Mbandaka. It had departed from the port of Matankumu en route to the Bolomba territory.
Officials said that the death toll, initially estimated at 50, has now risen sharply, with hundreds still feared missing
About 100 survivors were taken to an improvised shelter at the local town hall, while others with burn injuries received treatment at nearby hospitals.
River Commissioner, Compétent Loyoko, said that “the fire broke out when a woman began cooking aboard the vessel. Panic ensued, and several passengers — many of whom could not swim — drowned after jumping into the river.”
The tragedy adds to a series of deadly maritime accidents in the region.
Earlier in 2024, at least 78 people drowned when a boat carrying 278 passengers capsized in Lake Kivu, eastern Congo. In December, another river boat accident in western Congo claimed at least 22 lives.
Reuters
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