At least 148 people lost their lives when a wooden motor boat was fire and capsized in the River Congo on Tuesday, Sky News television network reported yesterday (Friday), citing officials.

According to these sources, hundreds of people are missing after the fire and the turnover of the boat carrying somewhere around “500 people.”

The death toll was previously estimated at 50.

Senator Jean-Paul Boketsu Bofili of Equateur province said 500 people were on board the ship, adding: “As we speak, more than 150 survivors suffering from third-degree burns are without humanitarian aid.”

More than 150 people are currently without medical assistance.

The fire started as a woman was cooking on the boat, the river commissioner said.

Several passengers, including women and children, died after jumping into the water unable to swim, officials said.

About 100 survivors were taken to a makeshift shelter at the local town hall, while those with burns were taken to local hospitals.

Boat accidents are common in Congo, where safety standards are often lax and boats are usually overcrowded. In December last year, 38 people died when a boat capsized in northeastern Congo. Just two months earlier, another boat capsized in Lake Kivu, in eastern DRC, killing 78 passengers.

Authorities have called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such recurring tragedies.