In brief
A deadly fire in rebel‑held Bukavu, eastern D‑R Congo, killed more than twenty children when a stampede broke out as they fled the blaze that consumed two primary schools. The incident also drove many adults to death, and around 300 houses were destroyed. Though the fire was extinguished by afternoon, authorities warn the death toll may rise as wounded survivors are taken to nearby hospitals. The tragedy follows recent safety incidents across the country, prompting nationwide calls for stricter safety measures.
Bukavu School Fire: More Than 20 Children Killed
At least 24 schoolchildren died in a stampede as they fled a blaze that engulfed two schools in rebel‑held Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials reported.
The fire also claimed the lives of several adults and destroyed some 300 homes within the densely populated Kadutu commune.
Survivors were rushed to hospitals, where footage shows children on beds in pain. A witness quoted by Reuters said the fire had been put out by afternoon, yet smoke still rose from the rubble.
Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, fell under M23 rebel control in February last year; the tragedy underscores the precarious safety conditions in the area.
The Congolese government issued a statement on X saying the Ministry of National Education expressed deep sorrow, offered condolences, and pledged to assess affected schools to maintain learning continuity. They remained hesitant to provide definitive casualty figures.
This incident came after another fatal fire in Kinshasa that killed several people in a stampede at a wedding banquet hall. In response, the government ordered stricter safety measures and deployed nationwide teams to enforce standards at public venues.
