DR Congo Boat Fire Claims Over 140 Lives

Date:

A horrific boat fire on the Congo River has claimed the lives of more than 140 people, with dozens still unaccounted for, following one of the worst river transport disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent years.

The tragedy occurred earlier this week when a heavily loaded wooden vessel, carrying hundreds of passengers, caught fire and capsized near the city of Mbandaka. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and desperation as flames engulfed the boat and passengers leapt into the water to escape the inferno.

Survivors reported that the fire started from onboard cooking activity, which quickly spread through the wooden structure of the vessel. With limited safety equipment and many passengers unable to swim, the situation rapidly turned fatal.

Rescue teams have managed to save around 150 people, many of whom suffered severe burns or injuries during the panic. Emergency services and humanitarian workers are continuing efforts to locate the missing, though hopes are fading as days pass.

This incident casts a grim spotlight on the ongoing risks associated with river travel in the country. Overcrowding, lack of regulation, and the absence of basic safety measures continue to plague water transport, particularly in remote regions where river routes are often the only viable means of travel.

Government officials have expressed condolences and promised to investigate the cause of the disaster.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Subscribe

spot_imgspot_img

Popular

More like this
Related

Wike Begins Crackdown on Beggars, Scavengers in Abuja

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has launched “Operation Sweep Abuja” to remove street beggars, scavengers, and illegal traders from the capital city, aiming to restore order and curb rising criminal activities.

UAE Imposes Stricter Travel Rules for Nigerians, Bans Transit Visas

The United Arab Emirates has introduced new travel restrictions for Nigerians, banning transit visa applications and limiting tourist visas for individuals aged 18 to 45 unless accompanied.

Ganduje Inaugurated as FAAN Board Chairman

Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been inaugurated as Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), days after resigning as APC National Chairman. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo presided over the ceremony, calling for strategic reforms and improved service delivery.

NECO Releases 2025 BECE Results

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination results for over 179,000 candidates, with re-sit exams for Mathematics and English scheduled for July 23 and 24.