Eight Missing After Kalelu Ferry Accident Between Lomami and Kasai-Oriental

February 13, 2026 - At least eight people are missing following an incident on the Kalelu ferry, which links the Bakua Mulumba chiefdom (Lomami province) to the Bakua Kalonji chiefdom (Kasai-Oriental province). The accident occurred Friday morning during the transport of a vehicle on the ferry. According to eyewitnesses, around twelve people were in the vehicle. As the ferry approached the shore and disembarkation began, the vehicle driver started the engine and suddenly put it in reverse, causing the vehicle to strike the ferry’s edge and plunge into the river. Four passengers, including the driver, were rescued, while eight others remain missing. Search operations are ongoing to locate the victims. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the accident and assess safety measures on the ferry.