In brief
A blaze engulfed two schools in Bukavu’s densely populated Kadutu commune, causing a stampede that trapped at least 24 children and several adults; the fire has also destroyed about 300 houses. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, where footage showed injured children on hospital floors. M23‑appointed authorities have yet to confirm an official death toll but plan to release a provisional figure soon. Kinshasa’s Ministry of Education expressed condolences and pledged to assess affected schools to keep learning going. The tragedy follows a recent fire at a Kinshasa wedding hall that prompted nationwide safety reforms.
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.
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