A tragic boat accident has claimed the lives of more than 80 people near Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.
Congo’s President, Mr. Félix Tshisekedi announced on Wednesday that the boat carrying over 270 passengers, capsized on the Kwa River in Maï-Ndombe province late Monday.
The locally made vessel was en route to Kinshasa when it experienced engine failure, causing it to break down and capsize, according to U.N.-backed Radio Okapi. Ren Maker, the water commissioner for the Mushi district, reported that the boat struck the edge of the riverbank and broke apart. Out of 271 passengers, 86 died while 185 managed to swim ashore, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the nearest city, Mushie.
This incident is the latest in a series of deadly boat accidents in the central African country, where overloading is a common issue. In February, dozens lost their lives in a similar accident involving an overloaded boat.
Congolese officials have repeatedly warned against overloading and have pledged to enforce safety measures for water transportation. However, in remote areas where many passengers originate, the lack of affordable public transport on the few available roads often forces people to rely on overcrowded boats.
