Congo boat tragedy claims lives of several football player
At least 25 people, including several football players, have died after a boat capsized in the Kwa River near Mushie City, Congo, local authorities have confirmed.
The victims were returning home following a football match when the vessel overturned.
An estimated 30 people survived the accident. Overloaded boats and nighttime navigation have been cited as frequent causes of such disasters in the region.
Authorities Confirm Casualties
Provincial spokesman Alexis Mputu provided a provisional death toll, stating, “The provisional death toll is 25, with 30 survivors.
The main cause was night navigation.” The identities of the victims have not yet been released, but most are believed to have been members of the traveling football team.
Frequent Boat Accidents in Congo
Congo’s vast network of rivers serves as a crucial mode of transport for millions, as many people opt for water travel over deteriorating roads.
However, overcrowding on wooden boats, combined with poor safety regulations, has led to frequent accidents, often with fatal consequences. Hundreds of lives have been lost in similar incidents in recent years.
Impact on DRC Football
The tragedy comes just days before the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team is set to play crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Leopards, semi-finalists at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, will face South Sudan at home before an away fixture against Mauritania.
Currently third in Group B with seven points, DRC trails Sudan (10 points) and Senegal (8 points) in the standings, making the upcoming matches critical in their bid for World Cup qualification.
