**Tragic excursion to the Saint-Léon College in Mbuji-Mayi: a dive into horror**
The peaceful town of Mbuji-Mayi, in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recently the scene of a school excursion that turned into a tragedy. The Saint-Léon College, a renowned private institution in the region, was the starting point for an educational outing that quickly turned into a nightmare for students and teachers.
The fateful date of November 30 will remain etched in our memories, as the collapse of a slab at the Tshiala hydroelectric dam led to the tragic disappearance of several young souls. Five students lost their lives in this terrible ordeal, and despite the efforts of emergency services and local fishermen, the toll continues to rise.
Among the victims were students as talented as they were promising. Glory Ngabu Kajingu, Tshisekedi Mbuyi, Giresse Tshibemba Mukendi, Mbiya Tshimanga Ephraim and Lumu Membré, young people with a bright future whose premature death leaves an immeasurable void in the educational community of Mbuji-Mayi.
Local and provincial authorities were quick to react to this tragedy. The suspension of school activities at Saint-Léon College was decided, while the provincial Minister of Education was summoned before the Provincial Assembly to report on this dramatic event. In addition, the guards of the Tshala hydroelectric power station, singled out for their lack of vigilance, were arrested.
Beyond the shock and sadness that strike the community of Mbuji-Mayi, this event must challenge us on the safety of school excursions and the responsibility of supervisors. Education is supposed to be about growth and discovery, but when innocent lives are put at risk, it is imperative that safety and control measures be reviewed.
In these dark hours, our thoughts go out to the grieving families, classmates, and teachers who are mourning the loss of these young people who were taken too soon. May their memory remain etched in our hearts, and may this tragic event serve as a lesson to prevent such disasters in the future.