DR Congo wedding fire kills 12 in Kinshasa

A fire at a wedding party in Kinshasa killed 12 people, the Democratic Republic of Congo government said on Sunday.

The communications ministry said work was continuing to identify the victims after the fire broke out overnight from September 4 to 5 in the capital.

Videos shared on social media appeared to show people crowded into a narrow stairway as they tried to reach the building’s exit and escape the flames.

The government announced inspections of venues used for public events and said any that did not meet safety standards would be closed immediately.

Authorities have not said what caused the fire.