adminKIGALI (Rwanda), Sept 6 (Bernama-Anadolu) — At least 22 people were killed and several others injured when a fire broke out at a wedding venue in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, on Saturday, a local official said, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
The fire erupted during a wedding reception at a building in Kinshasa’s Lingwala commune, according to Lingwala Mayor Norbert Mushinga.
“After inspecting the place, I can confirm that the provisional death toll stands at 22,” Mushinga told reporters in Kinshasa.
“People faced difficulties reaching the emergency exit; everyone was in a state of panic,” he said.
He said an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, with an electrical fault suspected.
In a statement, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani directed all provincial governors to conduct immediate inspections of venues hosting public events.
Shabani ordered authorities to close any establishments that do not meet safety standards.
— BERNAMA-ANADOLU
