Tragic River Boat Accident in Congo: Death Toll Rises

A river boat accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in at least 29 deaths and 128 survivors. The boat overturned due to overloading and navigating at night. Rescue efforts are ongoing as the exact number of missing remains unknown.

A river boat accident in western Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed at least 29 lives, with 128 survivors identified, local authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Rescue operations have been in full swing since the boat carrying between 250 and 300 passengers capsized Sunday night after hitting submerged tree trunks in Kutu territory.

'Overloading and violating nighttime navigation rules are the primary causes of this disaster,' stated Jacques Nzeza, Kutu administrator. Among the deceased are 15 women and one child.

Fidele Lizoringo, head of a local civil society group, reported that fishermen had spotted four more bodies, although recovery was not possible. The exact number still missing remains uncertain as some survivors left the scene before being counted.

Such accidents are frequent in the central African nation, which lacks adequate road infrastructure and often sees vessels overloaded beyond safe capacity.

(With inputs from agencies.)