Overloaded boat capsizes in Congo, 24 killed, many missing

At least 24 individuals lost their lives when an overloaded boat capsized on a river in the Mai-Ndombe province of Congo.

The incident has left many passengers unaccounted for, with local officials fearing that the death toll may rise further.

The vessel, carrying an estimated 250 to 300 passengers, overturned after colliding with submerged tree trunks, according to Kutu territory administrator Jacques Nzenza.

He emphasized that overloading was a significant factor in the tragedy, stating, “There was an imbalance in the boat and the panicked people went to put the weight on one side, causing the boat to tip over.”

Amid the chaos, Fidele Lizoringo, a civil society leader in the region, reported that 43 passengers managed to survive the harrowing ordeal. However, the aftermath saw tensions escalate as angry villagers took matters into their own hands, lynching the boat manager in response to the loss of their loved ones.

River travel and deadly boat accidents are tragically common in Congo, a nation characterized by its vast, forested landscapes and minimal paved roads. The frequent overloading of vessels further exacerbates the risk, leading to disastrous outcomes such as this.