Twenty dead, hundreds missing in Congo boat accident

BREAKING: A boat has capsized in western Congo, killing more than 80 people, the nation's leader says. — The Associated Press (@AP) https://t.co/8O9Dy7wg83June 12, 2024

In the latest accident, the motorised wooden boat was carrying about 300 passengers and navigating by night when it crashed into a sunken barge, Kutu territory administrator Jacques Nzenza Mongie said during a news conference.

At least 20 bodies were found during searches on Tuesday, Mongie told The Associated Press. An additional 46 people were rescued and hundreds were still missing, he said.

Navigating by night is illegal in Congo, and a provincial commission is currently at the site of the accident to determine who was responsible, Governor Lebon Nkoso Kevan of Maï-Ndombe province said. 

Congolese officials have warned against overloading and vowed to punish those violating safety measures for water transportation.