148 people drowned in DR Congo shipwreck

The death toll from the shipwreck on the river of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has increased to 148 people. This was reported on April 18 by The Guardian newspaper, citing officials.

It is specified that there were about 500 passengers on board. According to the Commissioner for River Affairs, Competent Loyoko, the fire broke out on the ship when one of the passengers started cooking.

"Several passengers, including women and children, died after jumping into the water," the publication says.

The newspaper noted that many of the survivors suffered serious burns and were hospitalized. Most of the passengers are still missing.

In October 2024, a boat with passengers on board sank in DR Congo. The overcrowded vessel tilted at first, and then turned over on the water. The passengers were mostly merchants returning home for Christmas.