25 Dead in DR Congo Boat Capsize

A tragic boat accident in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday claimed the lives of at least 25 people, most of whom were football players.

According to Alexis Mboto, spokesperson for Mai-Ndombe province, the victims were returning from a football match in the city of Mushie on Sunday evening when their boat capsized on the Kwa River. 

Poor nighttime visibility is suspected to have played a role in the disaster.

At least 30 people survived the accident, local official Rénacle Kwatiba confirmed.

Boat accidents are common in the Congo, where overcrowded vessels and late-night travel often contribute to fatal incidents.

With over 100 million residents, the country relies heavily on its vast river network for transportation, particularly in remote areas where infrastructure is inadequate or nonexistent.