Tragedy Strikes as Overloaded Boat Capsizes Near Kinshasa

A boat carrying over 270 passengers capsized on a river near Kinshasa, Congo, resulting in over 80 deaths. Overloading is suspected, a common cause for such incidents in the region. The boat broke down due to engine failure before capsizing. Authorities have warned against overloading but enforcement remains challenging.

Tragedy unfolded as a boat carrying more than 270 passengers capsized on a river near Congo's capital, Kinshasa, leading to the loss of over 80 lives, according to President Félix Tshisekedi on Wednesday.

This incident marks the latest in a series of deadly boat accidents in Central Africa, often attributed to overloading. Earlier in February, dozens perished in similar circumstances.

The poorly constructed boat capsized late Monday in Maï-Ndombe province along the Kwa River, confirmed a statement from President Tshisekedi. The vessel, heading to Kinshasa, reportedly suffered an engine failure, causing it to break apart.