Congo Boat Accident: Footballers Among 25 Dead As Vessel Capsizes

A tragic boat accident in Congo has claimed the lives of at least 25 people. The boat, carrying several football players, capsized in the Kwa River while returning from a match.

According to the Associated Press, provincial spokesperson Alexis Mputu said the players were traveling back to Mushie city in Mai-Ndombe province on Sunday night when the incident occurred. Local official Renecle Kwatiba stated that rescue teams have saved around 30 people so far, but many others remain missing. Search operations are ongoing.

Boat accidents are common in Congo, especially at night. Many remote areas lack roads and transportation infrastructure, making rivers the primary means of travel for millions. More than 100 million people in the country depend on rivers for transportation. However, overcrowded boats and a lack of safety equipment contribute to frequent accidents.