Disturbing footage shared on social media captured the chaotic scene as people desperately tried to escape the sinking vessel, either falling or jumping into the water in a frantic bid to reach safety on the riverbanks.
Authorities in the Central African Republic have expressed that boat disasters are not uncommon in the region, shedding light on the frequent dangers faced by those dependent on water transport for their journeys.
An eyewitness described the harrowing event as “terrifying,” recounting the heartbreaking loss of seven relatives to the tragedy. Thomas Djimasse, the head of civil protection, confirmed that 58 bodies had been recovered from the water, although the total number of individuals submerged remains unknown.
Survivors of the ferry disaster, numbering in the dozens, are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals in Bangui, underscoring the urgent need for support and care in the aftermath of this devastating incident.
