A passenger boat has capsized in western Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the drowning of at least 40 people, just a week after a similar incident claimed the lives of at least 47 individuals.
The boat in question, a wooden riverboat known as a whaler, was transporting passengers and goods when it overturned on the Lulonga river on Saturday night, near Boyeka village in the Equateur province.
The passengers, primarily traders, were returning from a local market and crossing to Mbandaka, the capital of the province.
The death toll may increase as additional passengers are reported missing, while over 200 people have been reported as survivors.
This accident occurred within a short period after another boat capsized in the same province, resulting in the deaths of numerous individuals, with an unknown number still missing.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, boats are a common means of transportation due to the lack of adequate roads.
However, boat accidents are frequent due to issues like overloading, inadequate maintenance, and nighttime travel.
Additionally, many passengers often do not wear life jackets.
Source-BBC
