Congo: Boat collision on lake kills at least 27 people

KINSHASA, Congo – United Nations-backed Radio Okapi says that two boats collided on a lake in Congo and one capsized killing at least 27 people.

Deputy governor of Maindombe, Massamba Malika, told Radio Okapi the two boats were going in opposite directions between Inongo and Bokoro and to avoid fog, rerouted, leading to the collision. He said 27 bodies are still in Lake Maindombe, and there might be more. He said the accident occurred late Saturday night, when boats are advised not to travel.

Malika said it’s unclear how many people were on the boat, but they are not to exceed 100 people. He said a rescue team is recovering the bodies.

In December, 18 people died and 70 disappeared after a shipwreck on the same lake.