A devastating river boat accident in western Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed at least 29 lives, with 128 survivors identified and an unknown number still missing, according to local authorities.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing for days after the vessel, carrying between 250 and 300 passengers, capsized on Sunday night. The boat struck underwater tree trunks in the Kutu territory, leading authorities to cite overloading and nighttime navigation as the primary causes of the tragedy.
The exact number of missing individuals remains uncertain, as the precise passenger count was unknown.
River travel is a common mode of transportation in the central African country, which has limited paved roads across its vast, forested territory.
Deadly boat accidents frequently occur in the country due to vessels being overloaded beyond capacity.
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