More than 20 Children Feared Dead in DR Congo School Fire


At least 24 schoolchildren and several adults are feared dead after a stampede during a fire that engulfed two schools in Bukavu, a city seized by M23 rebels a year ago.


The blaze, which burned through parts of the densely populated Kadutu commune, left about 300 houses destroyed. Victims were rushed to local hospitals; footage shows children injured on the roofs of medical facilities.


The M23‑appointed authorities have not yet released an official death toll, but they plan to publish a provisional figure later today. Kinshasa’s ministry of education offered condolences and said it would assess affected schools to ensure learning continuity.


The tragedy follows a recent fire at a wedding hall in Kinshasa, prompting the government to introduce stricter safety measures nationwide.




The fire appears to have been put out, but smouldering ruins remain.


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