Congo Boat Tragedy: Fire Kills 148, Hundreds Still Missing

International News: A heartbreaking accident has come to light in the Mabandaka region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 148 people have died due to fire and its overturning in a motorboat called HB Kongolo, while hundreds of people are still missing. The boat left with about 500 passengers, including women, children and elders.

Fire caused by stove's spark

According to primary information, a woman was cooking in a boat at the time of the accident. While cooking, the spark emanating from the stove lashed out in the boat. The fire spread so fast that people started running around in panic. Many people jumped into the river to save their lives, but they drowned due to lack of swimming. At the same time, many people have also been severely burnt, which require immediate medical treatment.

Red cross and administration engaged in rescue work

Red Cross and local administration teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. A search operation is being conducted around the Congo river to search for missing people. According to eyewitnesses, after the accident, the boat was completely burnt and burnt in water within a few minutes.

President Tsekidi expressed deep grief

Congo President Felix Tasecidi expressed deep grief over the accident. The President has also directed that the injured should be provided quick and proper treatment.

The decaying situation of water transport exposed

This accident highlights the critical condition of water transport in Congo. Due to lack of roadways in the country, most of the citizens travel through boats, but most boats are more filled with maximum capacity and safety standards are ignored. Experts say that if regular check-up, safety measures and control of the number of passengers are not ensured, then such incidents would continue to happen again and again.

Need for solid government steps

This accident is not just an accident, but a warning. The government will have to take concrete steps towards making water transport safe and organized. If necessary improvements are not made in time, then there can be even big accidents in future.