KINSHASA, Congo (AP) 鈥� A wooden boat transporting students back from state exams sank in central , killing at least 20 people, authorities said. The vessel was traveling in Kasai province when it sank while entering the confluence of the Sankuru and Kasai rivers, according to witnesses.
are common in the central African country, where late-night travels and overcrowded vessels are often blamed. Poor safety standards and lack of infrastructure in remote parts of the country also contribute to the in boat disasters in recent years.
鈥淭here were 80 survivors and 20 bodies,鈥� said Francois Kabula, administrator of the Ilebo territory in Kasai province, where the sinking happened Friday.
However, Tshikudi Jean, who witnessed the crash, told The Associated Press that the boat was carrying over 200 people.
鈥淭he shipowners of the DRC are only after money and don鈥檛 care about human lives,鈥� Fran莽ois Malepo, president of the Ilebo civil society organization said.
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