Benaleka train accident

Benaleka train accident
Details
Date August 1, 2007
Time 23:00
Location Benaleka
Country Democratic Republic of Congo
Rail line Ilebo to Kananga
Operator Congo Railroad Company
Type of incident Runaway derailment
Cause Brake failure
Statistics
Trains 1
Deaths 100
Injuries 128

The Benaleka train accident occurred on August 1, 2007 near Benaleka in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 100 people and seriously injuring 128 more.[1]

The accident happened in a remote location 220 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Kananga in West Kasai province at 11 PM local time.[2] The crash was caused by the failure of the train's brakes. Eight cars derailed; many of those killed had been riding on the roofs and were trapped underneath. The driver was able to detach the locomotive and go for help. Many of the injured were carried by bicycle or on people's back to the nearest hospital, six miles away.[3][4]

References

Coordinates: 5°07′41″S 22°10′18″E / 5.12806°S 22.17167°E