KINSHASA: Local authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have said that a weekend accident on the Lukeni River killed around 20 people. It added that around 46 people were rescued, but hundreds remain missing.
A crowded motorized wooden ship headed to the town of Nioki was carrying goods and around 300 people overnight Saturday into Sunday when it struck something in the water and sank, Kutu district administrator Jacques Nzena said. He added that a 9-month-old baby was among the recovered bodies.
Reports said that navigating at night is unlawful in Congo. Nzenza stated that they are constantly reminding every person that it is forbidden to sail at night as it is very unsafe,”. A provincial commission is probing the incident, Governor Lebon Nkoso Kevan of Maï-Ndombe Province stated on Tuesday.
Overcrowded boats and night navigation are chronic transportation problems in the African country. Deadly mishaps occur frequently on its waterways because there are few passable roads.
Local officials often issue warnings regarding the dangers of night navigation and overcrowded ships.
