At least 20 persons lost their lives over the weekend after a tragic boat accident.
The incident happened in the Western Democratic Republic of Congo.
The accident occurred on the Lukenie River in the Kutu area of Mai-Ndombe province.
The motorized wooden boat, reportedly carrying around 300 passengers and cargo, capsized after colliding with submerged wood during its journey to Nioki.
Local authorities reported that rescue efforts have so far recovered 20 bodies, with a nine-month-old baby among the victims.
The search for more survivors or bodies is still ongoing.
The accident highlights the dangers of river travel in the region, where road infrastructure is lacking, making waterways a common but perilous mode of transport.
Despite repeated warnings against night travel due to the increased risks, such incidents continue to occur.
This recent tragedy follows other similar incidents in the country, including a boat sinking on the Congo River in July that resulted in 25 deaths and a 2019 disaster on Lake Kivu where about 100 people lost their lives.
