At least 78 people have died after a tragic boat accident in Lake Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, with 278 people on board. Governor of South Kivu province Jean Jacques Purisi stated that it will take at least three days to determine the exact number of casualties as not all bodies have been recovered. At least 58 people have been rescued so far.
The boat was en route from Minova to Goma when it capsized only 100 meters from its destination. Many people choose to travel by boat to avoid the road closures and fighting between government forces and rebels in the region. Frustration is growing among residents due to the limited travel options.
Survivors recalled the harrowing ordeal, with one stating that he saw women and children drowning around him. The tragic incident has been attributed to the ongoing conflict in the area, with one resident blaming the war for his loss of three family members. The situation has been exacerbated by the increased military presence of M23 rebels who have seized large parts of territory in the region.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue more survivors and recover bodies from the lake. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the impact of conflict on civilian lives in the eastern DRC.
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