At least 25 people, including children, have been confirmed dead after an overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River in central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Dozens of passengers remain missing following the incident, which occurred on Tuesday a few hundred metres into the journey from the town of Inongo, northeast of the capital Kinshasa.
The boat, believed to have been carrying more than 100 people, was overloaded, with some passengers even positioned on the roof. David Kalemba, Inongo’s river commissioner, confirmed the recovery of at least 25 bodies, with more still unaccounted for. Local resident Alex Mbumba added that the boat was also heavily loaded with goods.
Also Read: DR Congo sues Rwanda to East African Court over aiding armed groups
Boat accidents are tragically common in the DRC, where vessels are often packed beyond capacity. The country’s limited road infrastructure makes river travel a vital means of transport across its vast, forested landscape.
Search efforts are ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing passengers.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.