Deadly derailment in Ubundu Tshopo: the territory’s call to action

Train derailment in Ubundu Tshopo in 2024

The tragic train derailment in Ubundu Tshopo at the start of 2024 caused considerable damage and led to the loss of human lives. According to information provided by Verdoth Yamulamba, territorial administrator, this incident which occurred at PK 36 of the Ubundu road led to the death of four people, as well as significant material damage.

The main cause of this derailment appears to be the dilapidated state of the railway, which now represents an imminent danger for users of this track. This rail network, used since colonial times, has already been the cause of several accidents, but this one appears to be the deadliest to date.

Verdoth Yamulamba is sounding the alarm and calling on the authorities to take urgent measures to limit these repeated disasters. For him, the railway linking Kisangani to Ubundu is of vital importance for the region, ensuring the supply of many populations and the maintenance of commercial exchanges between Tshopo and the province of Maniema.

The administrator deplores the growing isolation of his region, due to the impassability of roadways, insecurity linked to inter-ethnic conflicts and the inaccessibility of the Congo River. Without the railway, Ubundu and Maniema risk finding themselves cut off from the rest of the country, thus compromising their economic and social development.

Since his arrival at the head of the territory, Verdoth Yamulamba has noted an increase in derailments on the railway network, endangering the lives of residents and the connectivity of the region. Urgent action is needed to modernize and secure this vital infrastructure, to prevent further tragedies in the future.

In conclusion, the Ubundu Tshopo train derailment in 2024 highlights the challenges faced by some isolated regions of the country, plagued by aging and dangerous infrastructure. It is essential that the competent authorities take rapid and effective measures to guarantee the safety of populations and ensure the harmonious development of these territories.