Ammon News - The number of people found dead after a boat accident in Congo has risen to 148, officials have said.

They say hundreds are still missing after a motorised wooden boat caught fire and capsized on Tuesday in the Congo River.

The number of dead had previously been estimated at 50.

On Friday, senator Jean-Paul Boketsu Bofili of Equateur province said 500 people were on board, adding: "As we speak, more than 150 survivors suffering from third-degree burns are without humanitarian assistance."

The fire started as a woman was cooking on board the boat, said Competent Loyoko, the river commissioner.

Several passengers, including women and children, died after jumping into the water without being able to swim, officials said.

About 100 survivors were taken to an improvised shelter at the local town hall, while those with burn injuries were taken to local hospitals. Sky News