Fire at wedding venue in Kinshasa kills at least 22 people

At least 22 people have died following a major fire that broke out during a wedding celebration in the Lingwala district of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The blaze began on the evening of Friday, September 4, 2026, and lasted until the early hours of Saturday morning. Local authorities, including Lingwala Mayor Norbert Musinga, confirmed the death toll but warned that the number of fatalities may increase as search and rescue efforts continue.

The layout of the venue significantly hindered evacuation efforts, as the building's narrow corridors trapped many guests as they attempted to flee the smoke and flames. Witnesses reported seeing survivors and victims being placed on the roadside while responders attempted to assist those in need. While the immediate focus remains on recovery, the authorities have not yet determined the specific cause of the fire. The incident remains under investigation as officials work to identify the victims and provide support to the families affected by this tragedy.