Boat Accident in DR Congo Kills 80: President Declares Three Days of Mourning

A tragic boat accident has claimed the lives of at least 80 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), President Félix Tshisekedi has announced. The accident occurred on Monday on the Congo River in Mongala Province, in the northwestern part of the country. A boat carrying around 300 passengers capsized in the waters, with many drowning as a result. President Tshisekedi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and declared three days of national mourning. He also ordered an investigation into the incident to determine its cause. Initial reports indicate that the boat was overcrowded and may not have been properly maintained. The area where the accident occurred is known for having strong currents and unpredictable weather conditions. Emergency response teams and volunteers are currently searching the river for survivors. Local hospitals have been mobilized to receive and treat the injured. The DR Congo government has launched an appeal for international assistance to help with the recovery efforts. The United Nations is also providing support, including sending a team of experts to investigate the accident and provide technical assistance. The boat accident is a devastating blow to the people of DR Congo, which is one of the poorest and most conflict-ridden countries in the world. The loss of so many lives has sent shockwaves through the nation and prompted calls for improved safety measures on the country’s waterways.Boat Accident Kills Over 80 in DR Congo

Boat Accident Kills Over 80 in DR Congo

A tragic boat accident on the River Kwa in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mai-Ndombe province has claimed the lives of over 80 people, according to the country’s presidency. Boat accidents are a common occurrence in DR Congo’s waterways, often due to overloaded vessels. The central African country has limited paved roads, making river travel a necessity for many. The presidency has called for an investigation into the incident, stating, “The President of the Republic is calling for an investigation into the true causes of this unfortunate incident, to prevent such a disaster from happening again in the future.” According to the Mai-Ndombe province governor, Rita Bola Dula, the accident was caused by the boat sailing at night. Investigations are ongoing. The boat, carrying 271 passengers to Kinshasa, experienced engine failure and broke down, as reported by Radio Okapi. Eighty-six passengers perished while 185 managed to swim ashore near the town of Mushie. The boat hit the riverbank and broke apart during the incident, said Ren Maker, the water commissioner for the Mushi district. DR Congo authorities have repeatedly warned against overloading and pledged to punish those who violate safety standards for water transportation. However, in remote areas, many passengers cannot afford public transport on the few available roads.