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2024-06-14 Africa Subsaharan

At least 80 passengers killed in the latest boat accident in Congo

[AFRICANEWS] A boat carrying more than 270 passengers has capsized on a river near Congo's capital of Kinshasa, leaving more than 80 dead, President Félix Tshisekedi said Wednesday.

It was the latest deadly boat accident in the central African country where overloading is often blamed, including in February when dozens bit the dust after an overloaded boat sank.

A statement quoting Tshisekedi said the locally made boat capsized late Monday in Maï-Ndombe province along the Kwa River.

The boat was carrying 271 passengers to Kinshasa when it broke down due to an engine failure, according to the U.N.-backed Radio Okapi, citing Ren Maker, the water commissioner in the Mushi district where the accident happened.

Eighty-six of the passengers died while 185 managed to swim ashore, some 70 kilometers (43 miles) near the closest city of Mushie, Maker said.

He said the boat hit the edge of the river bank and broke up.

Congolese officials have often warned against overloading and vowed to punish those violating safety measures for water transportation. But in remote areas where most passengers come from, many are unable to afford public transport for the few available roads.

Posted by Fred 2024-06-14 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11135 views ] Top

#1 Horrifying bodycam footage shows bloated 14ft alligator with 41-year-old mother in its body after she was dragged into murky canal and ~~killed~~ eaten

Posted by Skidmark 2024-06-14 08:09|| 2024-06-14 08:09|| Front Page Top

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