Around 50 dead, 100 missing after DRC river boat fire

A river accident in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed at least 50 lives, with more than 100 passengers still missing, after a motorised wooden boat caught fire and capsized on the Congo River late Tuesday night.

According to local authorities, the overcrowded boat was carrying approximately 400 passengers when the fire broke out near Mbandaka, in the country’s northwestern Équateur Province.

The vessel had departed from Matankumu port, heading towards Bolomba Territory.

The blaze reportedly began when a passenger attempted to cook food on board, a common yet hazardous practice on Congolese riverboats.

The flames quickly consumed the vessel, forcing many passengers—including women and children—to leap into the river. Several drowned due to their inability to swim, while others suffered serious burns.

Roughly 100 survivors were rescued and taken to an emergency shelter at Mbandaka’s town hall. Red Cross workers and provincial rescue teams are continuing search-and-recovery operations, though officials fear the death toll may rise.

Local river commissioner Competent Loyoko confirmed the incident to international media, including the Associated Press.

Deadly boat accidents are tragically frequent in DRC due to overcrowding, lack of safety equipment, and poorly maintained vessels.

In December 2024, at least 38 people died when a ferry sank during Christmas travel, and in October, a capsizing on Lake Kivu claimed 78 lives.

Despite repeated tragedies, limited infrastructure and a lack of enforceable safety standards have left millions reliant on risky river travel.

Authorities have pledged to investigate the latest incident and implement stricter safety oversight. However, critics say more immediate action is needed to prevent future catastrophes on Congo’s perilous waterways.