Train crash in southeast Congo kills at least 34

At least 34 people were killed and 26 others injured in a train crash in Lualaba province in Congo’s southeast, a government official said. The wounded were sent to Lubudi hospital about 30 kilometers away from the crash site in Buyofwe, he said.

Radio Okapi reported that the National Railway Company of Congo train was carrying passengers and cargo from Lubumbashi to Luena, and 11 of its 13 cars caught fire. The cause of the accident is not yet known, reports the Indian Express.

Local officials and train authorities have travelled to the scene.

Lubudi’s chief medical officer said he was able to transport about 30 of the people injured to a hospital, and others remained at the scene awaiting transport, according to Radio Okapi. He said some of those injured lost limbs.