In a tragic incident, a boat carrying soccer players and other passengers capsized on the Kwa River in southwestern Congo, claiming 25 lives, authorities reported on Monday. The accident occurred Sunday night as the vessel returned from a match in Mushie city, located in Maï-Ndombe province. According to provincial spokesman Alexis Mputu, poor visibility during the late-night journey may have contributed to the disaster.
Renacle Kwatiba, the local administrator of Mushie territory, confirmed that at least 30 survivors were rescued. The exact cause remains under investigation, but officials noted that such accidents are all too common in the Central African nation. Overcrowded boats and nighttime travel are frequently cited as factors in these deadly incidents, compounded by lax enforcement of maritime regulations.
Congo’s extensive river network serves as a vital lifeline for its population of over 100 million, particularly in remote regions where roads are scarce or dilapidated. However, the reliance on often rickety wooden vessels has led to a grim toll, with hundreds killed in similar accidents in recent years as travelers opt for water transport over the country’s limited road infrastructure.
