A devastating road accident occurred on October 6, 2026, in the village of Kamalundu, located in the territory of Luilu, Lomami province, Democratic Republic of Congo. According to Félicien Kaseya, commander of the Road Traffic Police, 18 people lost their lives when a Howo truck, traveling to Haut-Katanga, overturned while carrying passengers and goods. The accident was attributed to the driver's intoxication and the poor state of the road.
The accident occurred on the provincial road RP816, which connects Luilu to Kabinda via Ngandajika. The road has been in a deplorable state, making it difficult for vehicles to navigate. Rescuers and survivors pointed to the poor road conditions as a contributing factor to the accident. Félicien Kaseya revealed that 10 other people were injured in the accident and are receiving medical attention.
The bodies of the victims were recovered and some have been transported to Mbujimayi, Ngandajika, and other locations for burial. Some families requested that the bodies be buried at the scene of the accident. The local authorities and emergency services responded quickly to the scene to provide assistance to the victims.
The road accident has raised concerns about the state of infrastructure in the region. The RP816 road had been studied by a team of Ivorian engineers and technicians from the Office des Routes in 2025, with plans for rehabilitation. However, the work has not yet commenced, leaving the road in a hazardous condition.
The accident has also highlighted the need for improved road safety measures in the region. The driver of the truck was reportedly intoxicated, which contributed to the accident. The authorities have been urged to take measures to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.
The local community is in shock following the tragic accident. The victims' families have been left to mourn their loved ones, while the injured are receiving medical attention. The accident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for improved infrastructure.
An investigation into the accident is expected to be conducted to determine the exact cause and identify those responsible. The authorities have promised to take steps to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. The community is calling for improved road conditions and enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
Key points
- 18 people died in a road accident in Kamalundu, Lomami province, after a truck overturned while carrying passengers and goods.
- The accident was attributed to the driver's intoxication and the poor state of the road.
- The road accident has raised concerns about the state of infrastructure in the region, with calls for improved road safety measures.
