In the Central African Republic, at least sixty people died on Friday April 19 in the sinking of a whaling boat in Bangui. The tragedy occurred on the M’poko river, southwest of the capital. This report, still provisional, also shows several dozen injured and people missing.
1 min
With our correspondent in Bangui, Rolf Stève Domia-leu
“ What just happened is terrifying », exclaims a resident who witnessed the tragedy.
“ I know a family who lost seven members in this tragedy “, he explains.
This whaleboat, 20 meters long and 3 meters wide, was carrying more than 300 people, including many women and children who were going to the funeral of the village chief Mokola, who died a week ago.
The boat literally cut itself in two, a few minutes after leaving in an area where the river is deep. According to several witnesses, overloading could be the cause of the boat’s sinking. Without modern means of rescue, it was canoeists and residents who mobilized to try to save the shipwrecked people.
Several dozen dead and injured in the sinking of a whaleboat this Friday in Bangui. The tragedy occurred on the Oubangui river. This boat of 250 people was going to a funeral. pic.twitter.com/tE3p1I6alj
— Rolf Steve Domia-Leu (@LeuRolf) April 20, 2024
More than a hundred injured people were evacuated on motorbike taxis, rickshaws and ambulances.
At midday, several dozen passengers were still missing. Research continues.
Since Friday, hospitals in the capital have been welcoming dozens of survivors, some of whom have been admitted to intensive care.
Read alsoCAR: a shipwreck leaves dozens missing near Bangui