Mbandaka, Democratic Republic of Congo – A horrific boat accident on the Congo River has left at least 148 people dead and over 100 missing after a motorized wooden vessel, the HB Kongolo, caught fire and capsized earlier this week. The incident took place near the city of Mbandaka in the Equateur province, sending shockwaves across the region.
The HB Kongolo was carrying around 500 passengers, including women and children, as it traveled from the port of Matankumu to the Bolomba territory. The fire is believed to have started after a woman began cooking onboard the vessel, which triggered a rapid spread of flames. As panic erupted, many passengers jumped into the river in an attempt to escape the fire. A significant number of them drowned, as they were unable to swim.
Rescue operations led by local authorities and the Red Cross are ongoing. Approximately 100 people have been rescued, many of whom sustained serious burns. Humanitarian agencies and health workers are now working to provide urgent medical care to the survivors. According to Senator Jean-Paul Boketsu Bofili, who represents the affected province, more than 150 burn victims are still awaiting humanitarian assistance and medical support.
The disaster highlights the ongoing safety crisis in Congo’s river transport system. Overcrowded boats, a lack of proper safety protocols, and poor maintenance continue to plague the sector. Similar deadly accidents have been reported in previous years, including a tragic incident in 2024 when over 25 people were killed after an overcrowded boat capsized.
In response to the latest tragedy, government officials and civil society groups are calling for stricter enforcement of river transport regulations. There are growing demands for improved infrastructure, better oversight, and stronger safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
As the nation mourns this devastating loss, efforts continue to search for the missing and support the families of the victims. The incident stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need to reform Congo’s river transportation system and ensure the safety of its people.