Over 140 Killed As Overloaded Boat Catches Fire In DR Congo
No fewer than 148 people have been confirmed dead after a wooden motorised boat overloaded with passengers caught fire and capsized in the Congo River, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday near the town of Mbandaka in the North Western region of the country.
According to reports citing local officials on Friday, the ill-fated vessel, identified as HB Kongolo, was carrying about 500 passengers, including women and children, when the accident happened.
The boat, which had departed Matankumu port for Bolomba territory, reportedly caught fire while in motion and later capsized.
Authorities said the fire started after a woman cooking on board ignited a blaze.
Many passengers, including children, drowned after jumping into the river, unable to swim.
At least 100 survivors were rescued and taken to a local town hall, while others with burn injuries were hospitalised.
Officials say hundreds are still missing, and the death toll may rise further.
Overloaded and poorly maintained wooden boats remain a major cause of transport-related deaths in DR Congo.
Last year, 78 people died in a similar boat mishap on Lake Kivu, while another 22 perished in a December river accident in the western part of the country.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
