On April 26, 2024, an unprecedented tragedy struck the region of Mitwaba in the Haut-Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A boat carrying numerous people and goods capsized on the Lufira River, resulting in the loss of at least three lives and the disappearance of 23 people.
According to local authorities, the boat sank on Thursday in the Banweshi area, approximately 300 kilometers from the city of Lubumbashi. Initial reports indicate 12 survivors, including 6 women, 4 children, and 2 men. However, the provisional death toll of 23 victims could rise, as it is estimated that between 30 and 40 people were on board at the time of the accident.
Dally Kalombo, the administrator of the Mitwaba territory, stated, “It will be three days before the bodies surface and we have the exact count. But so far, 3 lifeless bodies have been recovered.”
Territorial officials revealed that the boat had experienced an engine failure before capsizing, leaving the passengers and goods at the mercy of the turbulent waters. Search operations are ongoing to find the missing individuals, but the situation remains precarious.
This tragedy raises serious questions about the safety of river transportation in this province. Authorities and relevant organizations must take immediate measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The editorial team