Sange, South Kivu – Sixteen years after a fuel tanker explosion devastated the town of Sange in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, survivors and bereaved families say the tragedy remains an open wound, renewing calls for justice, long-term assistance, and remembrance.

On 2 July 2010, a fuel tanker overturned in the center of Sange, in Uvira Territory. As fuel spilled onto the road, a massive explosion triggered a fire that engulfed homes, shops, and dozens of people gathered nearby. The disaster became one of the deadliest road accidents in the country’s history.

Although sixteen years have passed, many survivors continue to live with severe burn injuries, psychological trauma, and economic hardship. For families who lost loved ones, the anniversary is a painful reminder of a tragedy whose consequences are still being felt.

Marking the anniversary, the civil society movement Machozi ya Raiya paid tribute to those who lost their lives and expressed solidarity with survivors and their families.

The organization urged the Congolese government to strengthen medical care, psychosocial support, and socio-economic assistance for those affected. It also called for greater efforts to preserve the memory of the disaster and ensure that lessons learned help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

For many residents of Sange, remembrance goes beyond honoring the victims. It is also a call for accountability, dignity, and sustained support for people whose lives were permanently changed by the events of July 2, 2010.

Sixteen years on, the scars of Sange have not faded. The disaster remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of road accidents involving hazardous materials and of the continuing need to improve emergency preparedness, victim assistance, and public safety in the Democratic Republic of Congo.