Congo Wedding Turns Into Nightmare: Massive Fire Kills 22 in Kinshasa, Many Injured

New Delhi: A wedding celebration in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, turned into a horrifying tragedy after a massive fire broke out at a building on Friday night. At least 22 people were killed, while several others suffered serious burn injuries.

The blaze erupted during a wedding party in the Lingwala area of northern Kinshasa and spread rapidly through the building. By early Saturday morning, much of the structure had been destroyed.

Narrow Corridors Turned Into Death Traps

According to reports, the building had extremely narrow corridors, making it difficult for people to flee when the fire broke out. As panic spread, people rushed toward the exits, but the doorways became dangerously congested.

In the ensuing chaos, several people were trapped while trying to escape. Those who managed to get out attempted to rescue and assist the injured. Some victims were pulled from the burning building alive, while others were found dead.

Severely burned victims were reportedly treated along the roadside as emergency responders and local residents worked to assist those affected. The scene remained chaotic as authorities dealt with the casualties.

Death Toll Could Rise

Local media reports put the confirmed death toll at 22, but the number could increase because several injured victims are reportedly in critical condition.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have launched a technical investigation to determine what triggered the blaze and how it spread so quickly.

Authorities Call It a Major Tragedy

Congo’s Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani visited the site on Saturday morning to assess the situation.

Describing the incident as a tragedy, Shabani reviewed the rescue and relief efforts and the condition of the affected building.

Kinshasa Faces Recurring Fire Risks

The incident has once again highlighted fire-safety concerns in Kinshasa’s densely populated neighbourhoods. Many parts of the city face inadequate emergency infrastructure, including limited access to firefighting services.

The risk of fires can also increase during the dry season. Local reports indicate that Kinshasa has witnessed several fire incidents this year, raising concerns over building safety, emergency access and preparedness.

The wedding, which began as a night of celebration, ended in devastating loss, leaving families and the local community mourning dozens of lives.