THE death toll from the recent tragic boat fire on the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been officially revised down to 33, significantly lower than the initially reported figure of around 148 fatalities. The incident occurred near Mbandaka in the Equateur province, where a wooden motorised boat carrying approximately 400 passengers caught fire and capsized.
Mbandaka’s mayor, Yves Balo, has confirmed that 195 people survived the disaster, including 22 burn victims receiving treatment at Wangata General Hospital. Of the 33 confirmed dead, 29 have been buried and four remain in the morgue. The confusion and discrepancies in earlier death toll reports were attributed to mix-ups with figures from previous river accidents, which are unfortunately common in the region.
The fire was reportedly sparked by a cooking fire onboard that ignited nearby fuel, leading to the catastrophic blaze. Many passengers, including women and children, were unable to escape due to the rapid spread of the fire and the lack of swimming ability, resulting in drownings as well.
Funerals for the victims have taken place in Mbandaka, with Red Cross workers assisting in the burials. Search efforts for additional survivors and bodies have been ongoing, but with diminishing hope, several days after the incident.
This tragedy highlights the persistent dangers of river travel in the DRC, where overcrowded wooden boats are a primary mode of transport due to the country’s vast size and limited road infrastructure. Safety measures such as life jackets are often lacking, and nighttime travel increases risks.
The Congo River, the second longest in Africa, is vital for transportation but also a frequent site of fatal accidents, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety regulations and enforcement to prevent future disasters.
