Tragedy on Lake Kivu: Overcrowding Blamed for Deadly Boat Capsizing

A boat capsized on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo, killing at least 50 people. Overcrowding was suspected as the cause. The accident occurred near the port of Kituku while the vessel was attempting to dock. Out of about 100 passengers, 10 survived. Authorities warn against overloading but maritime regulations remain lax.

A boat carrying numerous passengers overturned on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people, eyewitnesses reported to The Associated Press.

Details on the exact number of passengers or fatalities remain unclear, but rescue teams recovered at least 50 bodies. Approximately 10 people survived and were hospitalized locally.

The incident, caused by overloading, occurred just meters from the port of Kituku during docking. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi noted the boat's capacity was for about 30 people, but roughly a hundred were onboard.

(With inputs from agencies.)