CONGO: A devastating boat accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa has left at least 148 people dead. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday when a passenger boat named HB Kongolo caught fire and sank in the Congo River.
The vessel had departed from the Matankumu port and was en route to Bolomba, carrying around 500 passengers, including women and children. According to media reports, the fire broke out when a woman attempted to cook food on board using an open flame, a common practice on such boats.
As the fire rapidly spread, panic ensued, and many passengers jumped into the river in a desperate attempt to escape. The wooden structure of the boat and the lack of safety measures contributed to the rapid destruction. Eventually, the boat capsized and sank.
Rescue operations are ongoing. So far, approximately 100 survivors have been found, while emergency teams continue to search for the missing. Survivors have been taken to local hospitals, where they are receiving treatment for burns, injuries, and trauma.
Boat accidents are tragically common in Congo, where river transport is a primary mode of travel, especially in remote and rural areas. Many boats are made of wood, poorly maintained, and often carry far more passengers than they are built to accommodate. Life jackets are rarely available, and safety protocols are often ignored.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and pledged to improve river transport safety to prevent such incidents in the future.
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