A tragic incident in the Democratic Republic of Congo resulted in the death of at least 148 people after a motorized wooden boat caught fire and capsized in the Congo River. The boat was reportedly carrying around 500 passengers, including women and children, and boating accidents are unfortunately common in the region due to the use of old, overloaded vessels as the primary form of transport.
The boat, named HB Kongolo, caught fire near Mbandaka after leaving the port of Matankumu for the Bolomba territory. Officials believe that hundreds of people are still missing, with initial reports estimating the number of dead at 50. Approximately 100 survivors were taken to an improvised shelter in the local town hall, with burn victims being sent to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The tragic incident occurred when a fire broke out as a woman was cooking on board the boat, according to river commissioner Compétent Loyoko. Many passengers, including women and children, tragically lost their lives after jumping into the water without being able to swim. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by individuals traveling on overcrowded and poorly maintained vessels in Congo. Similar incidents in the past, such as a boat capsizing in Lake Kivu in 2024 resulting in 78 deaths, highlight the ongoing risks associated with water transport in the region.
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