Fatal Boat Accident Claims Dozen Lives in DR Congo

Web Desk

24th Oct, 2023. 08:33 pm
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40 dead as passenger boat capsizes in western DR Congo
Tragedy occurred on Lulonga River near Boyeka village
Passengers, mainly traders, returning from local market to Mbandaka

In a devastating incident in western Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 40 people have lost their lives as a passenger boat, a wooden riverboat known as a whaler, capsized on the Lulonga river near Boyeka village in Equateur province.

This tragic event occurred on Saturday night, and the passengers, primarily traders, were on their way back from a local market en route to Mbandaka, the provincial capital.

As the search continues, the death toll could potentially increase, with more passengers reported missing. Fortunately, over 200 individuals have survived, as reported by local media.

This unfortunate event happened just ten days after another boat capsized in the same province, claiming the lives of numerous individuals, with an unknown number of people still unaccounted for.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, boats serve as a common means of transportation due to the lack of proper roads.

However, frequent boat accidents occur due to factors such as overloading, inadequate maintenance, and nighttime travel.

Additionally, many passengers fail to wear life jackets, further exacerbating the risks associated with these journeys.