At least 24 schoolchildren have died in a frantic stampede while attempting to escape a blaze that swept through two schools in rebel-controlled Bukavu, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, local officials reported.
Reports indicate that several adults also lost their lives in the disaster, with officials warning that the casualty count may increase given the high population density of the Kadutu commune where the incident occurred.
Hospitalized survivors were filmed lying on floors in severe pain, while images on social media showed young children lying motionless on the ground. Beyond the educational facilities, the fire destroyed roughly 300 homes before being contained. The exact cause of the outbreak remains unknown.
Rebel-appointed authorities issued a preliminary death toll of 24 on Thursday evening, validating earlier accounts while acknowledging the potential for additional fatalities. A eyewitness cited by Reuters noted that although the flames were extinguished by the afternoon, smoke continued to billow from debris and corrugated metal sheets.
Bukavu serves as the capital of South Kivu province and stands as one of the country’s most densely populated hillside cities. M23 rebels seized control of the city in February of last year.
In response to the disaster, the central government in Kinshasa released a statement on X without offering specific casualty figures.
“The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship expressed deep sorrow over the deadly fire,” the statement read. “With several lives lost and many injured, the toll remains provisional. The minister offered condolences, affirmed solidarity with families, and ordered assessments of affected schools to ensure learning continuity.”
This calamity comes shortly after another fatal fire in Kinshasa last weekend, where attendees died during a stampede at a wedding venue. Following that incident, authorities mandated strict safety protocols and dispatched enforcement teams across the country to inspect public gathering spaces.
