KINSHASA , Aug 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Eleven people drowned and
at least 50 others missing after a barge sank on a river in central Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sixteen people survived the accident on the overcrowded vessel by swimming to safety on the Lukenye river. The barge was travelling to the capital Kinshasa.
The disaster occurred a week ago in a remote and densely forested region of Kasai province where rivers are the main means of transport due to a lack of driveable roads.
“We have recovered 11 bodies and about 50 people are missing,” Kasai
governor Dieudonne Pieme said.
Boat accidents are common in the vast country, typically caused by
overloading of passengers and cargo.
In May, 32 people died in a boat accident on Lake Mai-Ndombe in the west
of the country.
In April, at least 167 people died in two accidents, prompting President
Felix Tshisekedi to make it mandatory for boat passengers to have lifebuoys. — NNN-AGENCIES
