Tragedy in DRC: several players perish in a shipwreck!

A terrible tragedy occurred this week in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where several football players lost their lives after a boat capsized on the Kwa River, local media reports.

The vessel was carrying players and other passengers returning from a match in Mushie City when it sank.

According to initial information, the accident was likely caused by nighttime navigation, a recurring factor in shipwrecks on these waterways.

The provisional death toll is 25

Authorities estimate that 25 people have perished, while about thirty have survived:

"The provisional death toll is 25 dead and 30 survivors. The main cause is nighttime navigation," said Alexis Mputu, provincial spokesman.

Waterways are one of the main means of transportation in the country, but the lack of regulation and overloading of vessels frequently lead to disasters. Each year, hundreds of people perish in these shipwrecks.

This tragedy comes just days before the DRC's matches against South Sudan and Mauritania in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. In tribute to the victims, a minute of silence is expected to be observed before kickoff at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.