Truck Engulfed in Lake Tanganyika Overflow at Uvira: 7 Missing
Tragedy struck on Thursday, January 2nd, as a truck was swallowed by the rising waters of Lake Tanganyika, leaving at least seven people missing. The incident took place as the overloaded vehicle was en route from Uvira to Fizi in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The truck, carrying both goods and passengers, succumbed to the overflowing waters at Lwanga, where a portion of the lake had breached its banks and flooded National Route 5, leading to the fateful accident.
Rescue efforts managed to save one individual, the assistant driver, from the submerged truck. Philemon Kidumu, the president of the Uvira civil society, lamented the loss of life, stating, “It was a truck that was traveling from Uvira to Fizi with eight people on board. Upon reaching Lwanga, it submerged, and seven people went missing, with only the assistant driver managing to escape.” This harrowing account was corroborated by other sources, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Calls for Urgent Road Rehabilitation
The incident has reignited calls from various stakeholders for the urgent reconstruction of National Route 5, a critical transportation artery in the region. The deteriorating state of the road has been a contributing factor to several similar accidents in recent years, with Emmanuel Abedi Pascal, another local civil society member, emphasizing the need for immediate action. He stated, “The priority remains the rehabilitation of the Baraka-Fizi road. We urge the authorities to implement measures to address this issue and appeal to their conscience for swift intervention.”
Lingering Effects of Neglect
The dire situation at Lwanga is a culmination of months of neglect, with the road leading to Uvira in a state of advanced disrepair since March 2020. Numerous vehicles traveling between Uvira and Fizi have capsized at this problematic spot, resulting in significant human and material losses. The recurring accidents underscore the pressing need for infrastructure investment and proactive measures to prevent further tragedies along this crucial route.
A Call to Action
As the community mourns the loss of life in this latest incident, there is a collective plea for authorities to prioritize road rehabilitation efforts and enhance safety measures to protect travelers along the vulnerable stretch of National Route 5. The tragic events at Lwanga serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting critical infrastructure and the urgent need for decisive action to prevent future disasters. Let us honor the memory of those lost by taking proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of all who traverse these perilous roads.