Prime Minister Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba has just sent a ministerial delegation to the area around Nyunzu where the railway accident that occurred at dawn on Thursday, September 12, 2019 in Tanganyika province. Objective: to sympathize with the victims and inquire about the reality on the ground.

According to sources from the SSAC, the owner of the derailed train, the provisional balance sheet indicates 15 dead, about 30 injured and three overturned freight cars.

Monsieur @wembi_steve . Correction. Il y a eu déraillement a Nyunzu. bilan provisoire 10 morts, 30 blessés et 3 wagons couchés. #Tanganyika https://t.co/z3HWIkdm9c

— zoekabila (@zoekabila) September 12, 2019

As soon as the news broke, the Head of Government Ilunga Ilunkamba held an urgent working session with the Minister of Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, Steve Mbikayi, and the Minister of Transport, Didier Manzenga, to review the situation regarding the derailment of this train.

An investigation has already been launched by the authorised State services. In the Prime Minister’s Office, conclusions are expected firmly.

« My government will carefully study the conclusions of the investigation that will determine the causes of this tragedy, so that we can draw all the consequences, » said Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba in an official statement.

1/2 Le train accidenté à Nyemba (#Tanganyika) provenait de Kindu (#Maniema). La cause du déraillement est inconnue à l’heure qu’il est.

Une équipe du contingent indonésien de la #MONUSCO est arrivée sur les lieux de l’accident pour porter secours aux victimes. #RDC pic.twitter.com/20tagbMjOA

— MONUSCO (@MONUSCO) September 12, 2019

The Prime Minister, who said he was more saddened by this tragedy, said he was aware of the travel difficulties faced by his compatriots in this part of the country. This is normal since he headed the Congo National Railway Company (SNCC) until before his appointment to the Prime Minister’s Office.

« Therefore, on behalf of the government of the republic, and on my own behalf, I offer my deepest condolences to the families affected, as well as to the entire Congolese nation, » the statement states.

Emilie MBOYO