A tragic boat accident on the Kwa River in southwestern Congo resulted in the deaths of 25 people, authorities confirmed Monday.
The vessel, carrying a group of soccer players, capsized Sunday night near Mushie city in Maï-Ndombe province.
The team was returning from a match when the incident occurred.
Provincial spokesman Alexis Mputu attributed the disaster, in part, to poor visibility during the night.
Rescuers managed to save at least 30 individuals, according to local administrator Renacle Kwatiba.
The incident underscores the dangers of river travel in Congo, where maritime regulations are often disregarded.
Boat accidents are a frequent occurrence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation heavily reliant on river transportation.
Overcrowded vessels and nighttime journeys contribute to the high fatality rate.
Congo’s vast river network serves as a crucial transport artery for its population, especially in remote regions lacking adequate road infrastructure.