A freight train in south-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has crashed in Katanga, killing at least 63 people and severely injuring 80.
Katanga Province Interior Minister Jean Marie Dikanga Kazadi was quoted by BBC News as saying that the freight train was overloaded with passengers, some of them even seated on the top of carriages.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The rescue services were also delayed, which is expected to result in a rise in the death toll, while seven people were still stuck under debris and 50 more trapped inside the train, according to the minister.
Although an investigation has been launched to look into the cause for derailment, the minister said that the train was travelling round a bend at a higher speed than its maximum limit.
The minister told the news agency that the driver had been speeding, at approximately 60kmph when the speed limit was 40kmph. The driver’s efforts to slow the train were fruitless, leading to the deadly crash.
See Also:
Most of the country’s rail network was built in the colonial era and do not receive regular maintenance services due to poor infrastructure, misrule and conflict in the region, according to the news agency.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataCongo received a $255m grant from the World Bank in June 2010 to upgrade the railway system.
