148 dead as boat catches fire and capsizes in Congo River

New Delhi: At least 148 people have died in a horrific boat accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a wooden vessel caught fire and capsized in the Congo River. The tragedy occurred on Tuesday when the boat, carrying around 500 passengers, including women and children, was en route from Matankumu port to the Boloba region.

Local officials said the fire broke out while a woman was cooking on board, triggering chaos as flames rapidly spread across the vessel. The sudden blaze led to the boat capsizing, leaving dozens missing and many others injured. A rescue operation is underway, and the injured have been admitted to hospitals.

Boat accidents are frequent in the Congo due to poor safety standards. Many of the wooden boats used as the primary mode of transport between villages are outdated, overloaded, and lack essential safety measures. Despite being a lifeline for remote communities, these vessels often pose serious risks to passengers.

Local media reports highlighted that the spark from cooking quickly engulfed the boat, causing widespread panic. Authorities continue to search for survivors, and the exact number of missing passengers remains unclear.