In a devastating incident, an attempted prison escape in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in the deaths of 129 people. The tragic event unfolded when inmates tried to break out of the facility, leading to a violent confrontation with prison guards and security forces.

According to local authorities, the jailbreak attempt occurred in the early hours of the morning. “It was a chaotic scene,” said a prison official who wished to remain anonymous. “The inmates were desperate, and the situation quickly escalated out of control.”

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and seeing smoke billowing from the prison complex. “It was terrifying,” said a nearby resident. “We heard loud noises and saw people running. It was clear something terrible was happening.”

The government has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. “This is a tragic day for our nation,” said a government spokesperson. “We are committed to thoroughly investigating this incident and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

Human rights organizations have called for urgent reforms in the country’s prison system. “This tragedy highlights the dire conditions in our prisons,” said a representative from a local NGO. “Overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate security measures are persistent issues that need immediate attention.”

The international community has also reacted to the incident, with calls for improved prison conditions and human rights protections in the DR Congo. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of life,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations. “We urge the Congolese government to take swift action to address the underlying issues that led to this tragedy.”

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for reforms in the country’s correctional facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates. The government has promised to take immediate steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.