Forty people drowned when their boats capsized in a storm as they fled fighting in north-western Democratic Republic of Congo, a local official has told AFP news agency.
They were trying to escape fighting involving Congolese troops and people Jean Bakatoye, vice-governor of South Ubangi province, described to AFP as "outlaws".
He said that an army position came under attack on Sunday, and on Monday, army reinforcements arrived, prompting villagers to panic, fearing a wider conflict.
They tried to cross the Ubangi River, which acts as part of the border with the Republic of Congo, when their boats capsized.
<<Print>>