A tragic boat accident in western Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of at least 29 people.
The incident occurred on Sunday night when a vessel carrying an estimated 250 to 300 passengers capsized in a river near Kutu territory.
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to recover victims and survivors from the wreckage.
Authorities believe that overloading and navigating at night, despite safety regulations, contributed to the disaster.
So far, 128 survivors have been identified, but the exact number of missing persons remains unknown.
The death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue.
Fidele Lizoringo, head of a local civil society group, reported sightings of additional bodies in the river, suggesting that the casualty count could be higher.
River travel is a common mode of transportation in the DRC, but it often comes with significant risks.
The country’s vast,forested terrain has limited road infrastructure, making waterways a vital lifeline for many communities.
However, overcrowding and unsafe practices have led to numerous fatal accidents in the past.