A boat capsized after firing in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), killing at least 50 people and hundreds have gone missing, local officials said.
Dozens were saved following an accident on the Congo River late Tuesday night, many of whom were severely burned.
A missing search is underway between the Red Cross and a rescue team supported by state officials.
The electric wooden boat with around 400 passengers sparked a fire near the town of Mundabakha, the river director said.
The boat HB Congolo departed the port of Matanum for Bolomba territory.
Approximately 100 survivors were taken to an improvised shelter at Mundaka City Hall. Those with burns were taken to a local hospital.
Royoco said a fire broke out while the woman was cooking on board.
Several passengers, including women and children, died after jumping into the water without being able to swim.
Boat accidents are common in Central African countries. There, they often travel late at night or go past crowded boats.
Authorities are struggling to implement maritime regulations.
DRC rivers are the mode of transport for over 100 million people, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is poor or nonexistent.
Hundreds of people have been killed in boat accidents in recent years. More people have abandoned some available roads for wooden ships packed with passengers and their merchandise.
