In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a boat carrying more than 100 passengers capsized in a river, resulting in the death of at least 25 people and leaving dozens missing, according to officials and local residents. The boat had departed from Inongo, northeast of the capital Kinshasa, when it overturned shortly after in the Fimi River.
A local official stated that the boat was overloaded, with children among the casualties, as reported by AP. Such incidents are common in Central Africa, with previous accidents in October and June claiming numerous lives.
According to AP, today’s accident marks the fourth such incident this year in the Maï-Ndombe province. Many residents in this area rely on river transport despite the risks, as traveling by water is considered safer compared to land travel due to the lack of central governance and the presence of various armed groups.
Authorities frequently warn against overloading boats, but in some regions, there are few alternatives for transportation.
Source: NOS