A boat capsized and caught fire on the Congo River in the northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in at least 50 deaths and hundreds of people missing. The boat, named HB Kongolo, was carrying approximately 400 passengers when the accident occurred near the town of Mbandaka. Dozens of survivors with severe burns were rescued, and search operations were launched to locate those still missing. Authorities, the Red Cross, and provincial teams were involved in the rescue efforts.
Around 100 survivors were provided with temporary shelter at the Mbandaka town hall, while those with burn injuries were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The incident was reportedly caused by a cooking accident on board, leading to chaos and passengers jumping into the water without being able to swim. Boat accidents are frequent in the Democratic Republic of Congo due to overcrowded vessels and poor enforcement of maritime regulations.
The Congo River serves as a crucial transportation route for the country’s population, particularly in areas with limited infrastructure. Tragically, hundreds have lost their lives in similar boat accidents in recent years as more people rely on boats as a primary mode of transportation. Despite ongoing challenges, authorities continue to work towards improving safety measures and preventing further tragedies on the country’s waterways.
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