At least 25 dead, several missing as boat capsizes in western DR Congo: Report

‘Primary cause was night navigation,’ says provincial government

By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) – At least 25 people died and several others went missing after a boat capsized in Kwa River near Democratic Republic of Congo’s western province of Mai-Ndombe, local media reported on Monday.

"The provisional toll is 25 dead and 30 survivors. The primary cause was night navigation," said Alexis Mputu, a spokesperson for the provincial government, according to the local news website Actualite.cd.

The boat was carrying footballers from Ngambomi village, returning from a match in Mushie town. It capsized after leaving Mushie port at 11:00 pm (2200 GMT) and traveling 12 kilometers (over 7 miles).

The Mushie police station also confirmed the accident but gave no details.

Boat accidents are frequent in the region. Last December, a boat heading to Inongo town capsized near Mai-Ndombe.

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