Congo, June 12, 2024 — A devastating boat accident has claimed the lives of more than 80 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The tragedy occurred on Wednesday night on the Kwa River, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the town of Mushi in Mai-Ndombe province.

The DRC president's office issued a statement on social media calling for a thorough investigation into the causes of the accident to prevent future disasters of this nature. The statement also emphasized the importance of understanding the real reasons behind such incidents.

President Felix Tshisekedi has ordered local authorities to take all necessary measures to assist the victims and their families. He extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic event.

Initial reports suggest that the accident may have been caused by the difficulty of navigating the river during the night. The lack of visibility is believed to have played a significant role in the boat capsizing.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by river transportation in the DRC, where accidents of this nature are unfortunately not uncommon. The government and local authorities are expected to implement new safety measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.