Twelve people have died after a fire swept through a wedding party in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Communications Ministry on Sunday said efforts were continuing to identify the victims of the fire, which broke out overnight between Friday and Saturday, reports AFP.
Footage shared on social media showed a crowd packed into a narrow stairway as they tried to reach the building’s exit and escape the flames.
Following the tragedy, the government announced “systematic inspections” of venues used to host public events. It warned that any establishment found failing to meet safety standards would be shut down immediately.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fire. However, faulty electrical installations are frequently blamed for fires in Kinshasa.
