In a devastating maritime tragedy, at least 148 people were confirmed dead in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a wooden boat caught fire and subsequently capsized. Local officials provided these grim reports on Friday, shedding light on a disaster that has shocked the nation and raised concerns over safety protocols in water transport.

The ill-fated vessel, which was identified as the HB Kongolo, was reportedly carrying close to 500 passengers, many of whom were women and children, when the accident occurred on Tuesday in the Congo River, located in the northwestern part of the country. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos as the boat overturned, sending scores of terrified passengers into the turbulent waters.

Initial reports suggested the death toll was around 50; however, authorities have since revised this number significantly upward as recovery efforts continue. Sadly, officials estimate that hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for, heightening fears of an even greater loss of life.

The tragic incident unfolded near the town of Mbandaka shortly after the boat departed from the port of Matankumu, heading towards the Bolomba territory. It was reported that a fire erupted on board when a woman was cooking, causing panic among the passengers. Comptent Loyoko, the river commissioner, confirmed the details of the fire to the Associated Press, indicating that the blaze spread quickly in the confined space of the vessel.

Rescue efforts have led to the recovery of about 100 survivors, who were brought to an improvised shelter established at the local town hall. Those suffering from severe burn injuries were transferred to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, as the community rallies to support those affected by this catastrophe.

Tragically, many passengers lost their lives after jumping into the water, with reports stating that several could not swim, further contributing to the high death toll. This heart-wrenching situation is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in water travel in the DRC, where outdated wooden vessels are commonly used to ferry people and goods between villages, often exceeding safe capacity limits.

This incident is not an isolated one. In 2024, at least 78 people drowned when a boat carrying 278 passengers capsized in Lake Kivu, located in eastern Congo. Additionally, another tragic event occurred in December, where at least 22 individuals lost their lives when a river boat sank in the western region of the country. These recurring accidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety regulations and enforcement in the DRCs waterways, which continue to pose a significant risk to the lives of those who rely on them for transportation.