An overcrowded boat capsized on the Fimi River in central Congo on Tuesday, killing at least 25 people, including children, and leaving dozens missing. The boat, with over 100 passengers, sank shortly after departing from Inongo, northeast of Kinshasa. A search operation is ongoing, with officials fearing the death toll could rise.
David Kalemba, Inongo’s river commissioner, confirmed that overloading, including on the roof, contributed to the disaster. Alex Mbumba, a local resident, noted that the boat was also carrying goods, making it difficult to determine the exact number of casualties.
This tragedy marks the fourth boat accident this year in Maï-Ndombe province, a region reliant on river transport. Despite warnings and safety measures, overcrowding remains common due to limited affordable road options. Previous boat disasters in Congo have claimed dozens of lives, and officials are now calling for better safety equipment, such as flotation devices, to prevent further accidents.
