At least 20 people have died after a boat carrying students returning home after completing their examinations capsized in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to local authorities.
The boat was transporting students and other passengers across a river when it reportedly sank. Rescue teams, local residents, and emergency responders launched search operations, while several passengers were rescued. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as some people remain missing.
Officials said the exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. However, overloaded vessels, poor weather, and inadequate safety measures are frequently cited as contributing factors in similar incidents across the country.
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern over water transport safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where many communities depend on rivers for travel because of limited road infrastructure.
Authorities have extended condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to continue search and recovery efforts while investigating the circumstances surrounding the sinking.