07.09.2026 11:20
A fire broke out in a hall during a wedding ceremony in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to initial reports, 22 people lost their lives and many others were injured in the panic and stampede that followed the flames. Following the disaster, orders were given to inspect wedding and event venues nationwide and to close facilities that do not meet safety standards.
A wedding ceremony held in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ended in tragedy. A fire broke out for reasons yet to be determined at a wedding hall named Panacee, located in the Lingwala district, while guests were inside.
PANIC AND STAMPEDE AT THE WEDDING HALL
As the flames spread through the hall, the guests panicked greatly. A stampede occurred as people tried to get out.
According to initial assessments, 22 people lost their lives in the fire, and many others were injured. The injured were taken to various health facilities in the capital by ambulances and placed under treatment.
CAUSE OF THE FIRE UNDER INVESTIGATION
Following the disaster, an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire. While authorities continue their examinations at the scene, no definitive statement has yet been made regarding how the fire started.
WEDDING HALLS NATIONWIDE TO BE INSPECTED
Following the disaster, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jacquemain Shabani, took action.
Shabani gave instructions to inspect the security conditions of wedding halls and venues hosting public events across the country. It was requested that venues found not to meet safety standards be closed immediately.