At least 22 people were killed and several others injured when a fire broke out during a wedding reception in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, on Saturday, a local official said.
The blaze engulfed a building in Lingwala commune, where guests struggled to reach an emergency exit amid panic, according to Mayor Norbert Mushinga.
Mushinga said he had inspected the site and confirmed a provisional death toll of 22. Several injured people were taken to health facilities across the capital for treatment, while property inside the venue was destroyed.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire. An electrical fault is suspected, the mayor said, but the cause has yet to be established.
Following the blaze, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani ordered provincial governors across the country to immediately inspect venues used for public events.
He also directed authorities to shut down establishments that fail to meet safety
