A tragic incident occurred in southwestern Congo, where a boat capsized, resulting in the deaths of 25 individuals, many of whom were soccer players, as reported by authorities on Monday.
The players were returning from a match in the city of Mushie, located in Maï-Ndombe province, when the vessel overturned on the Kwa River late Sunday night, according to provincial spokesman Alexis Mputu.
Mputu indicated that the lack of visibility during the night could have contributed to the accident. At least 30 other individuals managed to survive, as stated by Renacle Kwatiba, the local administrator of Mushie territory.
Boat accidents resulting in fatalities are frequent in this central African nation, often attributed to late-night travel and overcrowded boats. Authorities have faced challenges in enforcing maritime safety regulations.
In Congo, rivers serve as a vital transportation route for over 100 million people, particularly in remote regions where road infrastructure is inadequate or entirely absent.
In recent years, hundreds have lost their lives in boating accidents as more individuals opt for wooden vessels filled with passengers and cargo, abandoning the limited roadways available.
