At least 22 people have died and several others were injured after a fire broke out during a wedding ceremony in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to Radio Okapi , the fire broke out during the night of Friday, September 4, into Saturday, September 5, at a wedding hall near the National Museum of the DRC in Lingwala municipality. Radio Okapi reported that Lingwala Mayor Norbert Mutshiga Zihindula gave a provisional death toll of 22, with several injured people receiving emergency treatment at health facilities in the capital. The hall was completely des

At least 22 people have died and several others were injured after a fire broke out during a wedding ceremony in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to

Radio Okapi

, the fire broke out during the night of Friday, September 4, into Saturday, September 5, at a wedding hall near the National Museum of the DRC in Lingwala municipality. Radio Okapi reported that Lingwala Mayor Norbert Mutshiga Zihindula gave a provisional death toll of 22, with several injured people receiving emergency treatment at health facilities in the capital. The hall was completely destroyed by the fire, which also caused extensive property damage. The incident triggered panic among wedding guests as they attempted to escape the burning building. According to accounts cited by Radio Okapi, evacuation was difficult because the venue reportedly had only one narrow exit, making it difficult for a large number of people to leave at the same time. Smoke and flames further obstructed the escape, while several people were reportedly trampled during the ensuing panic. The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine how it started and what circumstances contributed to the deaths. DRC Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani visited the scene on Saturday morning to assess the situation. Kinshasa Deputy Governor Eddy Iyeli Molangi also visited the site alongside members of the provincial government. However, Radio Okapi reported a discrepancy in the official casualty figures. While the Lingwala mayor reported 22 deaths, the Kinshasa provincial government later cited a lower provisional figure in its statement. The government confirmed that injured victims were receiving medical care and announced an investigation into the incident.

At least 22 people were killed in a fire that broke out during a wedding celebration in Kinshasa, with several others injured. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the deadly incident.

Following the tragedy, authorities said they would strengthen safety and prevention measures in wedding halls and other venues hosting public gatherings. On Sunday, Radio Okapi further reported that Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani had ordered provincial governors to conduct systematic safety inspections of event venues and close establishments that fail to meet required safety standards. The investigation into the fire remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the exact cause of the tragedy and determine the final number of victims.

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