A tragic incident unfolded in the Central African Republic’s capital Bangui as an overloaded river boat capsized, claiming the lives of at least 58 people en route to a funeral, according to Thomas Djimasse, head of civil protection.
The wooden boat, reportedly carrying more than 300 passengers, sank on the Mpoko river on Friday, leaving many standing or perched on wooden structures.
The vessel was bound for the funeral of a village chief in Makolo, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Bangui, but encountered difficulties shortly after departure from the pier.
Rescue services responded to the disaster 40 minutes after the incident occurred. While the government remained silent on Saturday, Maxime Balalou, government spokesman, had earlier reported a “provisional toll of at least 30 dead” in a speech recorded on Friday and broadcast a day later.
The government expressed condolences to the grieving families and announced plans for an investigation, as well as the establishment of a support system for the victims’ families.
Maurice Kapenya, who followed the boat in a canoe due to lack of space onboard, tragically discovered his own sister among the deceased.
With assistance from local fishermen and residents, he was able to recover bodies. Meanwhile, motorbike taxis assisted in evacuating some of the injured to the community hospital, as reported by driver Francis Maka who transported over 10 individuals free of charge in the wake of the tragedy.
On the scene, civil protection teams were no longer present on Saturday, leaving families desperately searching for missing loved ones near the river.
AFP journalists observed these families aiding canoe operators they had hired in the search efforts.
In a show of solidarity, several opposition parties extended their support to the grieving families and called for a national mourning period in the aftermath of this devastating event.
