A tragic boat accident in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of 78 people, with dozens more unaccounted for.
The incident occurred on Thursday, September 26, when a boat carrying approximately 278 passengers capsized in Lake Kivu near the village of Mukwidja.
The boat, en route from Minova to Goma, was overloaded with passengers and goods, according to local authorities. The vessel sank after encountering a powerful wave, leading to the devastating loss of life.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with marines, Red Cross teams, and Doctors Without Borders searching for the missing.
The provisional death toll of 78 is expected to rise as the search continues.
President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and ordered an investigation into the cause of the accident.
A video of the capsizing has been widely shared on social media, highlighting the tragic nature of the incident.
Boat accidents are a recurring problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where water transport is a crucial means of transportation due to the poor state of roads.
The high death tolls associated with these accidents underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure in the region.