At least 30 people have died and dozens remain missing following a collision between two vessels on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The accident occurred during the night in Equateur province, according to local reports.
The two boats crashed while navigating the waterway, resulting in a significant loss of life. While the exact number of missing individuals has not been finalized, authorities indicate that dozens are still unaccounted for in the aftermath of the incident.
The Congo River serves as a critical transportation artery for the region, connecting major cities and remote communities across the country. Tragically, boat accidents on this waterway are not uncommon, often exacerbated by overcrowding, poor maintenance, and challenging nighttime visibility.
Search and rescue efforts have been initiated to locate the missing passengers and retrieve bodies from the river. Local officials and emergency services are coordinating the response in Equateur province, though specific details regarding the cause of the collision have not yet been released.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of Africa's most populous nations, where river transport remains a vital mode of travel for millions of residents. This incident adds to the ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety standards and regulatory enforcement on the Congo River.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
