Fatshimetrie witnessed a road tragedy on Wednesday, December 18, which claimed the lives of at least 19 people and injured several others in Mitwaba, in the Haut-Katanga province. The accident occurred 19 kilometers from Mitwaba center, on the road between Lubumbashi and Malemba Nkulu, in Haut-Lomami.
A truck overloaded with more than 40 tons of cement bags and carrying passengers overturned, causing a real tragedy. According to witnesses, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to lose control and overturn. The figures are alarming: 19 deaths, including nine men, six women and four children, as well as eight injured, were recorded following this accident.
Patrice Kishimba, provincial elected official of Mitwaba, points to overloading and drunk driving as the main causes of this terrible accident. He also denounces the lack of resources and medical equipment at the Mitwaba General Reference Hospital, where survivors are struggling to receive adequate care following their injuries.
This tragic event is unfortunately not an isolated case for the Mitwaba region, as it is the third accident in a month in this territory. Local authorities, in collaboration with officials from the Haut-Katanga province, are working to find solutions for the burial of victims and to improve road safety in the region.
Through this accident, the issue of road safety in the DRC is once again highlighted. Overloading vehicles, non-compliance with driving rules and the lack of suitable infrastructure regularly contribute to avoidable human tragedies.
In these painful circumstances, it is essential to recall the importance of prevention, awareness-raising and compliance with road safety standards to avoid such tragedies in the future. The relevant authorities must also take concrete measures to ensure the protection of citizens on the roads and guarantee safe travel conditions for all.