Kinshasa wedding venue fire kills at least 22 people

At least 22 people died and several others were injured during a fire at a wedding reception in the Lingwala community of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Saturday.

Mayor Norbert Mushinga reported that panic ensued as guests struggled to reach emergency exits during the blaze. While an investigation is underway, officials suspect an electrical fault may have caused the fire. Several injured individuals were transported to local health facilities for medical treatment.

In response to the tragedy, Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani has ordered provincial governors to conduct immediate safety inspections of all venues used for public gatherings. The minister further directed authorities to close any establishments that fail to comply with safety standards.