The tragic boat accident in Congo has left at least 148 people dead, with many more still missing. Officials reported that the disaster occurred on Tuesday when a wooden motorized boat caught fire and capsized in the Congo River.
Initially, the death toll was estimated at 50, but as rescue efforts continued, the number of confirmed dead rose significantly. Senator Jean-Paul Boketsu Bofili from Equateur province revealed that there were around 500 people on board the vessel. He expressed concern for over 150 survivors who are suffering from severe burns and are currently without humanitarian aid.
The fire reportedly started while a woman was cooking on the boat, leading to chaos as passengers panicked. Many jumped into the river, but unfortunately, some could not swim, resulting in further loss of life.
Around 100 survivors were taken to a makeshift shelter at a local town hall, while those with burn injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. The boat, named HB Kongolo, had set off from Matankumu and was headed to the Bolomba territory when the tragedy struck near Mbandaka.
Boat accidents are sadly common in Congo, where overcrowded vessels and poor enforcement of safety regulations often lead to disasters. Many people rely on the rivers for transportation, especially in remote areas where road infrastructure is lacking. This incident highlights the ongoing struggles with safety on the water in the region.