A deadly fire broke out during a wedding party in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, leaving at least 22 people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred on Friday night and continued into early Saturday in a building located in Lingwala, a northern district of the city. The narrow hallways of the structure became dangerously crowded as people attempted to escape the flames, leading to chaos and further loss of life. As the fire raged, many people—both alive and deceased—were found lying by the roadside, where attendees tried to assist those still in need of help. Lingwala’s mayor, Norbert Mushinga, reported the provisional death toll as 22, though he warned that the number could increase as rescue and recovery efforts continue. The cause of the fire remains unconfirmed, with no official statement yet provided. Congo’s deputy prime minister and interior minister, Jacquemin Shabani, described the event as a “tragedy” during a visit to the site on Saturday morning. He emphasized the need for improved safety measures and emergency response systems in the city. Fires like this are not uncommon in Kinshasa, particularly in densely populated areas where urban development often lacks essential infrastructure such as fire services. The dry season, which typically runs from May to October, increases the risk of such fires, as dry vegetation and buildings made of flammable materials can catch fire easily. Local media have reported several similar incidents this year, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety in the city. The tragedy has once again brought attention to the urgent need for better urban planning and fire prevention strategies in Kinshasa.