25 Perish in Congo Boat Accident with Soccer Players Aboard

A tragic incident occurred in southwestern Congo as a boat capsizing claimed the lives of 25 individuals, including many soccer players, as reported by local authorities.
The fatal event transpired on Sunday night when the vessel, returning from a soccer match in the city of Mushie located in the Maï-Ndombe province, overturned on the Kwa River. According to provincial spokesperson Alexis Mputu, poor night visibility might have played a role in the unfortunate accident.
Thankfully, at least 30 individuals managed to survive, as stated by Renacle Kwatiba, the local administrator of Mushie territory.
Unfortunately, fatal boat accidents are a frequent occurrence in this central African nation, with issues such as nighttime navigation and overcrowded vessels often at the root of these tragedies. The enforcement of maritime regulations poses a significant challenge for local authorities.
With over 100 million residents, Congo greatly depends on its rivers as a primary mode of transport, particularly in remote areas where roads are inadequate or entirely absent.
Over the recent years, hundreds of fatalities have resulted from boat accidents. As more people choose to travel by packed wooden boats instead of the few roadways available, these heartbreaking incidents continue to be a devastating part of life in the region.