Boating accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo claims 80 lives

More than 80 people have died in a boat accident on the Kwa River in Mai-Ndombe province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country’s presidential office said.

Fatal boating accidents are common in the waters of the Democratic Republic of Congo because ships are often loaded far beyond their capacity.

There are few paved roads in the central African country’s vast forest area; river travel is common.

“The President of the Republic calls for an investigation into the true causes of this regrettable incident in order to prevent such a disaster from happening again in the future,” the Presidential Office said on X.

The incident was caused by night driving, Rita Bola Dula, governor of Mai-Ndombe province, told Reuters, adding that investigations were ongoing.

The boat was carrying 271 passengers on its way to Kinshasa when it broke down due to engine failure, Radio Okapi reported, citing Ren Maker, the water officer for Mushi district, where the accident occurred.

Eighty-six of the passengers died, while 185 managed to swim to shore, 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the nearest town of Mushie, Maker said.

He said the boat hit the edge of the river and broke apart.

Officials of the Democratic Republic of Congo have frequently warned against overloading and announced that they will punish those who violate safety measures for water transport.

But in remote areas, where most passengers come from, many cannot afford public transport because of the few roads available.

with AP