A fire that started at a wedding gathering in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to local officials. Emergency responders arrived at the scene after receiving multiple calls reporting a large blaze engulfing the venue where the ceremony was being held.
The incident occurred in the evening, while guests were attending the reception. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire spread rapidly through the crowded hall, hampering evacuation efforts. Rescue teams worked through the night to retrieve bodies and provide medical assistance to the injured, many of whom were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities have not yet released a definitive cause for the fire, but investigators are examining possibilities such as an electrical fault, the use of open flames for cooking, or other accidental triggers. The local police chief emphasized that a thorough inquiry will be conducted to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.
President Félix Tshisekedi's office issued a statement expressing condolences to the families of the victims and pledging support for those affected. The statement also called for a review of safety standards at public gatherings, noting that similar incidents have highlighted gaps in fire prevention measures across the country.
Health officials reported that the number of injured persons exceeds 30, with many suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. Hospitals in the region, already strained by limited resources, have activated emergency protocols to manage the influx of patients.
Community leaders and local NGOs have mobilised to provide assistance, including temporary shelter, food, and counseling services for survivors. The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of building codes and the implementation of fire safety training for event organizers.
The death toll may rise as authorities continue to identify victims and assess the full impact of the fire. The incident adds to a series of recent disasters in the region that have underscored the challenges of ensuring public safety in densely populated venues.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/9/6/more-than-20-killed-in-fire-at-wedding-party-in-dr-congo?traffic_source=rss.