At least 22 killed in wedding venue fire in DR Congo
At least 22 people were killed and several others injured after a fire broke out at a wedding venue in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on Saturday, according to a local official.
The fire broke out during a wedding reception at a building in Kinshasa’s Lingwala commune, Lingwala Mayor Norbert Mushinga said, Anadolu Agency reported.
“After inspecting the place, I can confirm that the provisional death toll stands at 22,” Mushinga told reporters in Kinshasa.
He said people had difficulty reaching the emergency exit as panic spread among those inside the building.
“People faced difficulties reaching the emergency exit; everyone was in a state of panic,” Mushinga said.
The mayor added that property inside the building was also destroyed in the fire. Several people who were injured were taken to health facilities in Kinshasa for medical treatment.
Mushinga said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, adding that an electrical fault is suspected to have triggered the blaze.
In a statement, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani instructed all provincial governors to carry out immediate inspections of venues used to host public events.
Shabani also ordered authorities to shut down any establishments that fail to meet required safety standards.
Credit: Source link