People of the Congo Mourn for Two Days
In honor of the more than 200 people that died in a recent fire, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Joseph Kabila, stated the country would mourn for two days. During the days of mourning, the country’s flag would fly at half-mast around the nation in the victims’ memory.
A Fire that Came with Forewarning
A fuel truck that exploded caused the fatal fire that recently killed 235 people. The tanker did not immediately kill the victims when it overturned on top of the fragile homes made of earth and straw. The driver of the tanker escaped the accident alive, but not without injury. Reports state he warned the children and others scavenging the truck’s contents to stay away from it because of the risk of explosion. Instead of leaving the scene of the accident, the residents of the town began collecting the fuel that leaked from the truck. According to AFP reports, the blaze started the day after the tanker overturned, and burned homes and a local theater where people were watching World Cup matches. The dead included 30 women and 60 children who were buried in three mass graves in Sange.
In addition to the fatalities, almost 200 people suffered injuries; 32 victims received burns that required helicopter transport to a hospital in Bukavu in the north and Uvira in the south. Health, social affairs and interior ministers travelled to the region and the hospitals caring for the victims to provide medical aid and pay their respects.
Many Ways to Remember
The incident in Congo shows no one can escape the pain of losing a loved one. The entire nation is grieving because of this unfortunate event. After the two days of mourning, memorial ceremonies will follow where many residents will rely on their resourcefulness rather than their financial resources to remember their loved ones lost. Learn more about memorializing loved ones with time instead of money.
[photo: babasteve]
Tags: congo, congo tanker fire
