Wedding venue fire kills at least 22 in DR Congo

At least 22 people lost their lives and several more sustained injuries after a fire engulfed a wedding venue in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Saturday. The tragic incident unfolded during a wedding reception at a building situated in the city's Lingwala community, as reported by Turkish media outlet AA.

Mayor Norbert Mushinga confirmed the preliminary death toll of 22 following an on-site assessment. Mushinga explained that a state of panic erupted as guests attempted to reach the emergency exit, leading to the injuries. Several of the injured were promptly transported to various healthcare facilities in Kinshasa for medical attention, while the building itself suffered significant property damage.

Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the origin of the fire, though an electrical fault is currently being considered as a likely cause. In response to the incident, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani directed provincial governors across the nation to conduct immediate inspections of all venues hosting public gatherings.

Shabani also mandated the immediate closure of any establishments found to be operating in violation of safety regulations.