A devastating boat accident on the Fimi river in central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has claimed at least 25 lives, including children, with dozens still missing.
The tragedy occurred near the town of Inongo, northeast of Kinshasa, when an overcrowded vessel capsized shortly after beginning its journey on Tuesday.
Overcrowding and Overloading Among Main Causes
Officials confirmed that the boat was overloaded with passengers and goods, contributing to its capsizing just a few hundred meters into its voyage. 
David Kalemba, Inongo’s river commissioner, remarked, “There was overloading at roof level and, as far as the lifeless human bodies are concerned, at least 25 have been recovered so far.”
Residents of the area echoed similar concerns about overloading. Alex Mbumba, a local, noted the presence of children among the victims, saying, “The boat had a lot of passengers, and among the dead are children.”
DRC’s Ongoing Challenges with River Travel
Boat accidents remain alarmingly frequent in the DRC, where rivers often serve as primary transportation routes in a country with limited road infrastructure. Overloading and poor safety measures exacerbate the risks, leading to tragedies like this one.
In June, 80 people died in a similar incident on the Kwa river, just 70 kilometers from the city of Mushie. In October, another 78 people perished in a boat accident on Lake Kivu in eastern DRC.
Calls for Action to Improve River Safety
The latest accident marks the fourth this year in the Mai-Ndombe province, underscoring the urgent need for improved river safety. Alex Mbumba urged authorities to take swift action, stating, “The government must act to improve safety on the waters of our province [because] navigation conditions are dangerous.”
Providing flotation devices and enforcing strict passenger limits have become critical demands from residents and local officials alike.
A Grim Reminder
This tragedy serves as yet another reminder of the perilous conditions that many Congolese face daily when relying on river travel. The vessel, believed to have carried over 100 passengers, was making a routine trip that turned fatal due to preventable factors.
As search efforts continue for the missing, the call for stronger safety measures grows louder, urging authorities to prioritize the safety of river travelers across the DRC.
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