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Congo River Inferno: Over 100 Dead in Devastating Whaleboat Disaster
A tragic river accident in northwestern Congo has claimed at least 107 lives after a crowded whaleboat caught fire and sank on the Congo River near Malange village in Lukolela territory on Thursday evening.
Authorities report that the narrow, double-ended vessel was carrying nearly 500 passengers when the blaze broke out, leaving 146 people still missing. Rescue teams, including naval personnel and local volunteers, managed to save 209 survivors, many with serious injuries. The fire also destroyed cargo and ignited 15 riverside homes as the vessel drifted downstream.
Officials have pledged medical care for the injured, support for bereaved families, and the repatriation of survivors. The cause of the disaster is under investigation, but overloading, poor vessel maintenance, and dangerous nighttime navigation — all common issues in Congo’s river transport — are suspected factors.
This tragedy comes just days after another deadly boat accident in Basankusu territory killed at least 86 people, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures on the nation’s waterways.
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