- At least 24 schoolchildren have died in a stampede as they tried to flee a fire that engulfed two schools in rebel-held Bukavu, according to officials.
- The fire broke out at Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools and a nearby settlement in Bukavu's Chimpunda district around 8am local time.
- A violent stampede occurred as students attempted to escape, leading to trampling and asphyxia.
- Rebel-appointed authorities confirmed a provisional death toll of 24, which includes 19 girls and five boys.
- 29 people were reported injured, with 21 in intensive care, and investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.
- Survivors have been taken to nearby hospitals, with footage showing children lying on hospital floors in pain.
- Some 300 houses have also been destroyed in the fire, although the cause remains unknown.
- Bukavu has been controlled by AFC/M23 rebels since the group staged a lightning offensive in eastern DRC last year.
At least 24 schoolchildren have died in a tragic fire in Bukavu, DR Congo, as they attempted to escape the flames engulfing Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools. The fire broke out around 8 am local time, leading to a chaotic stampede among students.12
Local authorities reported that the death toll includes 19 girls and five boys, with an additional 29 people injured. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals, where many were treated for severe asphyxia. A local nurse reported that at least 14 children were among the deceased, all under 10 years old.
The fire also devastated the surrounding area, destroying between 300 and 500 homes and a clinic. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with children trampling over one another in their desperate attempt to escape. Local leader Patrice Buduge noted that the fire was followed by a violent stampede, causing many students to faint or lose consciousness.3
The rebel-appointed authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. The Ministry of National Education expressed deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences and affirming solidarity with affected families. The AFC/M23 movement, which controls the area, confirmed the provisional death toll and stated that 21 individuals are in intensive care.4
As the community mourns, the focus shifts to ensuring the safety of schools and preventing such tragedies in the future.
“The blaze destroyed two primary schools and around 300 wooden houses, with 29 injured including 21 in intensive care. A local nurse said 14 children under 10 died, as Bukavu has seen several fires in recent days.”
BBC
