More than 20 children are feared dead following a fire and subsequent stampede at two schools in the rebel-held city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials also reported that adults may have died in the incident, and concerns are rising that the death toll could increase.
The fire broke out in the densely populated Kadutu commune, with survivors being treated in local hospitals. Footage from the scene showed children receiving care on hospital floors.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it resulted in the destruction of approximately 300 houses. Images circulating on social media depicted young children lying motionless on the ground.
A witness told Reuters that the fire was extinguished by the afternoon, though smoke continued to rise from the debris. Maya in yellow t-shirt stands in piles of rubble and corrugated iron while three other people stand on the left of the picture. The rubble seems to go on for some distance and the air is hazy.
Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, has been under the control of M23 rebels since February of last year. Rebel-appointed authorities stated they are assessing the situation and intend to release a provisional death toll.
The government in Kinshasa issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the fire. The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship acknowledged that the toll is provisional due to the number of lives lost and injured. The ministry affirmed solidarity with the affected families and ordered assessments to ensure the continuity of learning.
This incident follows a separate tragedy last weekend in Kinshasa, where a stampede at a wedding banquet hall resulted in fatalities. In response to that event, the government mandated stricter safety measures and deployed teams to enforce standards at public gathering places nationwide.