KINSHASA — More than 20 people have died after a fire broke out during a wedding celebration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, turning a gathering into a deadly disaster.

The incident occurred as guests were attending the celebration, with the fire spreading rapidly and trapping people inside the affected area. Emergency responders were called to the scene as efforts began to rescue those caught in the blaze.

Local authorities are assessing the circumstances surrounding the fire and working to establish the full number of casualties. The incident has caused shock among the local community, where wedding celebrations are often attended by large numbers of relatives, friends and neighbours.

The scale of the tragedy has also raised concerns about emergency preparedness at large public gatherings. Fires can become particularly dangerous when crowded venues have limited exits, inadequate fire-safety equipment or difficult access for emergency vehicles.

Rescue teams and local officials have been working to manage the aftermath, while families await further information about those affected.

Authorities are expected to investigate how the fire started and why it spread so quickly. Investigators will also examine the condition of the venue, available emergency exits and whether required safety measures were in place.

The tragedy adds to a series of deadly fires that have highlighted the importance of stronger safety standards at public events across parts of Africa. Wedding celebrations and other large gatherings can attract hundreds of people, increasing the potential consequences when an emergency occurs.

Officials are expected to release additional information as identification and casualty assessments continue.

The disaster has left families and the local community mourning as authorities investigate the circumstances behind one of the country’s latest deadly public-gathering fires.