An accident occurred on the night of October 7, 2026, at around 7 pm in the village of Kamalundu, Luilu territory, Lomami province. A truck traveling from Kabinda to Luputa via Ngandajika crashed, resulting in 18 fatalities. The truck was carrying various goods, including oil drums and alcohol. According to André Kazadi, administrator of the Luilu territory, the accident occurred on a poorly maintained road, which is in a deplorable state with deep trenches and hills.
The administrator of the Luilu territory, André Kazadi, expressed concerns about the difficult conditions for nighttime travel on this route, emphasizing the need for extra caution from drivers. The accident site is still under investigation, and authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances of the incident. The vehicle involved in the accident remains at the scene, and the owner has taken responsibility for the funerals, providing coffins for some of the victims.
The local authorities are consulting with stakeholders to determine measures to enhance road safety in the region. This incident follows a similar accident in April 2026 in Lusuku, Luilu territory, where four people died and 47 others were seriously injured. The Congolese press agency (ACP) reported that the authorities are taking steps to prevent such accidents in the future.
The accident has highlighted the need for improved road infrastructure and enhanced road safety measures in the region. Residents and travelers have expressed concerns about the state of the roads, which they say pose a significant risk to road users. The authorities have been urged to take urgent action to address the situation.
According to the administrator, some of the victims were buried in the village, while others were taken by their families for burial. The owner of the truck has provided assistance for the funerals, which is appreciated by the local community. However, the incident has left many questions about road safety and the need for urgent action to prevent such accidents.
The authorities in Lomami province have been urged to take concrete steps to address the issue of road safety, including improving the condition of the roads and enforcing traffic regulations. The local population is calling for increased vigilance and caution from drivers, as well as better road infrastructure to prevent such accidents in the future.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing, and a meeting of the provincial security council is expected to take place to discuss measures to improve road safety in the region. The incident has sparked a renewed debate about road safety in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with many calling for urgent action to address the issue.
Key points
- 18 people died in a traffic accident in Luilu, Lomami province.
- The accident occurred on a poorly maintained road, which is a major concern for road safety.
- Authorities are working to establish the exact circumstances of the incident and to prevent similar accidents in the future.
