A wedding celebration in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), turned into a tragedy after a fire tore through a crowded party venue, killing at least 22 people and injuring several others.
The fire broke out Friday night and continued into the early hours of Saturday at a wedding celebration in Lingwala, a densely populated district in northern Kinshasa. The provisional death toll was announced by Lingwala Mayor Norbert Mushinga, who warned that the number could rise.
Early reports indicate that the evacuation was severely hampered by the venue’s layout. Authorities said the hall had a single, relatively narrow exit, while thick smoke and panic made it difficult for guests to escape quickly. A resulting stampede further worsened the situation.
Several injured victims were taken to hospitals in Kinshasa, including Vijana Hospital, Cinquantenaire Hospital and Camp Kokolo, according to local authorities.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. Officials said investigators will examine several possibilities, including a potential electrical problem or an issue involving decorations at the wedding venue.
Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani visited the scene and described the incident as a tragedy. Police and scientific investigators have begun examining the site as authorities work to establish what caused the fire and whether safety regulations were followed.
The disaster has renewed concerns about fire safety and emergency infrastructure in Kinshasa, where rapid urban growth and densely populated neighborhoods can make emergency evacuations particularly difficult. Local reports indicate that deadly fires have occurred repeatedly in the capital, especially during the dry season.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire while supporting the injured and families of those who died.
The tragedy has also highlighted the importance of adequate emergency exits, fire prevention systems and effective evacuation plans at public venues hosting large gatherings.
Swifteradio.com
