Deadly Fire at Congo Wedding Celebration Leaves 22 Dead
A blaze that broke out overnight at a wedding celebration in Lingwala left at least 22 people dead and several others injured, with authorities warning that the toll could rise.
KINSHASA (CONGO), Sep 5: At least 22 people were killed after a fire broke out during a wedding celebration in Congo’s capital Kinshasa, authorities said on Saturday.
The blaze erupted late Friday night at a building in the Lingwala district of northern Kinshasa and continued into the early hours of Saturday, according to local officials.
Several people were injured in the incident as wedding attendees attempted to escape the burning building and help those trapped inside. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with victims being taken out of the premises and placed along the roadside as people rushed to assist the injured.
Lingwala Mayor Norbert Mushinga told the Congolese Press Agency that the provisional death toll stood at 22. He cautioned that the number of fatalities could increase as authorities continued assessing the situation.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani visited the site on Saturday morning and described the incident as a tragedy.
The fire has once again highlighted safety concerns in Kinshasa, one of Africa’s most densely populated cities. Fires are frequently reported in crowded neighbourhoods, particularly during the dry season, where limited access to emergency services and inadequate urban infrastructure can hamper rescue operations.
Local media reports said several fires have already occurred in the capital this year, raising concerns over fire prevention and emergency response capabilities in densely populated communities.
