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Kinshasa: A major fire (Major Fire ) has occurred in Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. At least 22 people were burned to death and many others injured when a fire broke out during a wedding ceremony. The Mayor of Lingwala stated that the fire started in a building on Friday night and continued to blaze until Saturday morning, causing panic in the area.
Difficulty Escaping Through Narrow Corridors
The building is located in Lingwala, in the northern part of Kinshasa. People attempting to flee the fire found it difficult to exit through the building’s narrow corridors. Consequently, many were unable to escape and perished in the flames.
Some Rescued Victims Succumb to Injuries
Other guests at the wedding attempted to rescue those trapped in the fire. Several people pulled from the building were laid on the roadside; while some survived, others died. The atmosphere, previously filled with the joy and laughter of the wedding celebration, is now one of mourning.
Death Toll Reaches 22
Lingwala Mayor Norbert Mushinga told the Congo Press Agency that the death toll has currently reached 22. He stated that the number of fatalities is likely to rise further. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. According to Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Jacquemain Shabani, this is a tragedy; he visited the scene on Saturday morning.
Fire Incidents Increase During Dry Season
It is worth noting that fire incidents are common in the densely populated areas of Kinshasa. According to local media, such fires frequently occur during the dry season, and several similar incidents have been reported this year. Earlier, a fire at a hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan, caused panic and tragedy. Fifteen newborns lost their lives in the blaze. The fire was caused by the explosion of an air conditioner compressor.
