Over 50 Dead as Boat Capsizes in Central African Republic River

On April 21, 2024, a heartbreaking boat accident in the Central African Republic claimed the lives of at least 50 people, with authorities still searching for missing passengers. The river boat, carrying over 300 people to a funeral in the town of Mokola, capsized in the Mpoko River on the outskirts of the capital city, Bangui.

According to Thomas Djimasse, the head of the civil protection department, rescuers were able to extract approximately 50 lifeless bodies from the river. The search is ongoing as more people are believed to have drowned. Government spokesperson Maxime Balalou reported a provisional death toll of over 30 and called for better compliance with river transport safety regulations.

Eyewitnesses and social media videos suggest the wooden boat was overcrowded, with some passengers standing and others perched on wooden structures. The boat ran into difficulty shortly after setting off from the pier and broke apart. Many women and children were among the dead.

Why this matters: The tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Central African Republic, a country plagued by civil war, violence, and poverty. The incident also underscores the need for improved safety measures and regulations in river transportation, a crucial mode of travel for many in the region.

Rescue services arrived at the scene 40 minutes after the disaster. Local boat pilots and fishermen were the first to react, collecting bodies from the river before emergency services arrived. The government has launched an investigation into the incident and set up a fund to support the families of the victims.

The Central African Republic has been grappling with a civil war since 2013, and the country still suffers from unrest and violence by rebel groups, particularly over its natural resources, including gold and diamonds. The United Nations ranks the Central African Republic as the second least developed country in the world.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission Chairperson, expressed condolences to the government and citizens of the Central African Republic following the tragic sinking of the boat. As the military continues the search for missing passengers, the exact number of deaths remains unknown. The government's call for better compliance with river transport safety regulations aims to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Key Takeaways

• At least 50 people died in a boat accident in Central African Republic on April 21, 2024.
• The boat, carrying over 300 people to a funeral, capsized in the Mpoko River near Bangui.
• Overcrowding and lack of safety regulations contributed to the tragedy, which highlights the country's challenges.
• The government has launched an investigation and set up a fund to support victims' families.
• The Central African Republic is the second least developed country in the world, plagued by civil war and poverty.