At least 50 dead in DRC train derailment

KINSHASA - At least 50 people died early Thursday morning after a freight train derailed in the southeastern province of Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local authorities said.

The tragedy occurred around 3 am not far from Mayibaridi locality where the train filled with goods derailed, according to Mulange Mpundu Natacha, the provincial minister of humanitarian actions and solidarity.

In Kinshasa, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs Steve Mbikayi also confirmed the information and indicated that an emergency meeting is underway to make the necessary arrangements to assist the victims.

Much of DRC's rail network dates back to the colonial era and has had little maintenance. A freight train derailed in Kasai province this March, killing 32 people and wounding 91 others.