Congo River Tragedy: Hundreds Dead in Back-to-Back Accidents
Two devastating boat accidents in Congo claim 193 lives.
A wave of grief has swept through northwestern Congo following two catastrophic boat accidents that claimed at least 193 lives this week, with many more still missing, according to local authorities and state media. The tragedies, occurring just a day apart in Equateur province, have highlighted the perilous conditions of river travel in the region.
On Thursday evening, a whaleboat carrying nearly 500 passengers caught fire and capsized along the Congo River near Malange village in Lukolela territory. The humanitarian affairs ministry reported that 209 survivors were pulled from the water, but the death toll stands at a staggering 107, with scores still unaccounted for. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as flames engulfed the overcrowded vessel, leaving passengers scrambling for safety in the dark.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, another disaster struck in Basankusu territory, where a motorized boat sank, killing at least 86 people, most of whom were students returning home. State media reported that improper loading and night navigation were likely to blame, though exact causes remain under investigation. Distressing images from the scene showed villagers gathered around the bodies of loved ones, mourning the devastating loss.
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Local civil society groups have pointed fingers at government inaction, claiming the death toll may be higher than reported and attributing the accidents to a lack of infrastructure and regulation. "These tragedies are preventable," said a spokesperson for a Basankusu-based advocacy group. "The government must address the decaying transport system forcing people onto these death traps."
Boat travel has become a lifeline in Congo, where crumbling roads and limited infrastructure push residents to rely on overcrowded, often dilapidated wooden vessels. These boats, frequently operating without life jackets or proper safety measures, navigate treacherous waters at night, making accidents both deadly and difficult to respond to. Rescue operations are ongoing, but hopes of finding more survivors are fading.
The twin disasters have sparked renewed calls for improved safety regulations and investment in transportation infrastructure to prevent further loss of life on Congo’s rivers.
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