At least fifty people are dead and hundred more missing, after a boat capsized on the Congo River in the northwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after catching fire.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night near the town of Mbandaka, motorised wooden boat, carrying approximately 400 passengers, caught fire after departing from the port of Matankumu en route to the Bolomba territory.
The fire is believed to have started while someone was cooking on board.
Many passengers drowned after jumping into the water to save themselves from the fire.
Around 100 survivors have been taken to a temporary shelter at the Mbandaka town hall, many suffering from severe burns.
The search for the missing individuals is currently underway, with rescue teams receiving support from the Red Cross and provincial authorities.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night near the town of Mbandaka, motorised wooden boat, carrying approximately 400 passengers, caught fire after departing from the port of Matankumu en route to the Bolomba territory.
The fire is believed to have started while someone was cooking on board.
Many passengers drowned after jumping into the water to save themselves from the fire.
Around 100 survivors have been taken to a temporary shelter at the Mbandaka town hall, many suffering from severe burns.
The search for the missing individuals is currently underway, with rescue teams receiving support from the Red Cross and provincial authorities.
