A devastating boat fire on the Congo River has claimed at least 148 lives, with many more still unaccounted for, in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent years.
The incident occurred on Tuesday near the town of Mbandaka in the northwest of the country. The motorised wooden vessel, known as HB Kongolo, was reportedly carrying around 500 passengers, including women and children. It had departed from the port of Matankumu and was en route to the Bolomba territory when tragedy struck.
Authorities initially estimated the death toll at around 50, but the number has since surged as search efforts continue. Officials fear that the final count may be even higher, with hundreds still missing.
Approximately 100 survivors were brought to temporary shelter at the local town hall. Others, suffering from burns and other injuries, are being treated at nearby medical facilities.
River Commissioner Compétent Loyoko explained that the fire erupted when a woman started cooking on board the vessel, sparking panic. “The fire broke out when a woman began cooking aboard the vessel. Panic ensued, and several passengers — many of whom could not swim — drowned after jumping into the river,” he said.
This tragedy adds to a growing list of fatal boat accidents in the country. Earlier this year, at least 78 people died after a vessel sank in Lake Kivu, and in December, a separate accident on a river in western Congo led to the deaths of at least 22 people.