
A Ferry Drown in th Busira River: A painful incident has come to light in Congo. 38 people have been killed and more than 100 are missing after an overloaded ferry capsized in a river. Giving information about this incident, local officials and witnesses said that this tragic incident happened on the night of Friday (20 December) in Busira River, when people were returning to their homes for Christmas. However, till now 20 people have been confirmed to have survived this accident.
This ferry was part of a convoy of ships in the north-eastern region of Congo.
In fact, Joseph Congolingoli, mayor of Ingende, the last city before the accident site, said, “This overloaded ferry boat was part of a convoy of other vessels in the north-eastern region of Congo. “The passengers on this ferry were mainly businessmen who were returning home for Christmas.” It is noteworthy that this tragic accident happened four days after another boat capsized in the north-eastern part of the country, in which 25 people were killed.
Ndolo Kaddi, a resident of Ingende, gave more information about the accident. He told, “More than 400 people were traveling in this ferry. “Because it was en route to Boende via two ports, Ingende and Lolo, there is reason to believe that there may have been additional deaths.”
Congolese officials warn against overloading
Congolese authorities have frequently warned against overloading river boats with passengers and have promised to punish those who violate water transport safety measures. However, people in remote areas where most travelers come cannot afford public transport on the few roads available. Therefore they travel through boats.