Reports indicate that at least 148 individuals have lost their lives following a boat fire in Congo

Media reports citing local officials indicated that at least 148 individuals were discovered deceased in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a fire on a motorised wooden boat that subsequently capsized on Friday.

Reports indicate that the boat was carrying up to 500 passengers, including women and children, when it capsized in the Congo River in the northwest region of the country on Tuesday.

In Congo, boating accidents frequently occur, as old wooden vessels serve as the primary means of transport between villages and are often overloaded beyond their capacity.

Officials estimate that hundreds of individuals are still unaccounted for, according to the reports. The earlier estimate of the deceased was 50.

The vessel, known as HB Kongolo, ignited in flames close to the town of Mbandaka, after departing from the port of Matankumu en route to the Bolomba territory.

Approximately 100 survivors were transported to a makeshift shelter at the local town hall, while individuals with burn injuries were directed to nearby hospitals, according to Sky News.

A fire broke out while a woman was cooking on the vessel, Compétent Loyoko, according to the river commissioner who spoke with the Associated Press.

The report indicated that several passengers, including women and children, lost their lives after jumping into the water, unable to swim.

In 2024, a tragic incident occurred when a boat carrying 278 passengers capsized in Lake Kivu, eastern Congo, resulting in the drowning of at least 78 individuals. In another event, a tragic incident occurred in December when a river boat sank in western Congo, resulting in the loss of at least 22 lives.