By Benson Daniel
At least 26 children have died after a fire swept through two schools in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, triggering a deadly stampede as students tried to escape.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday in the densely populated Cimpunda area of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. The fire reportedly began in a nearby residential building before spreading rapidly to the adjoining Furaha secondary school and Ujamaa primary school.
UNICEF confirmed that 26 children were killed, while another 25 children were injured in the disaster. The victims included both boys and girls, with earlier figures indicating that 19 girls and seven boys were among those who died.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as smoke and flames engulfed the area. Students attempting to flee reportedly encountered narrow exits, while others were forced to jump from higher floors to escape the rapidly spreading fire.
Some children were trampled during the rush to get out, while others reportedly died from smoke inhalation and suffocation. Medical workers said a large number of students and teachers were taken to nearby health facilities, placing additional pressure on already stretched emergency services.
The blaze also caused extensive damage beyond the schools, destroying hundreds of homes in the surrounding neighbourhood. Earlier reports put the number of wooden houses destroyed at around 300, while local sources said the wider destruction may have been even greater.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to establish what triggered the initial blaze, although the densely packed nature of the neighbourhood contributed to the speed at which the flames spread.
Bukavu has experienced a series of deadly fires in recent months, with many homes built from wood and other easily combustible materials. The city’s hilly terrain, limited access roads and inadequate firefighting infrastructure have also complicated emergency responses.
The disaster comes as Bukavu remains under the control of the AFC/M23 armed group, which seized the city during its offensive in eastern Congo in early 2025. The continuing conflict has placed considerable pressure on public services, including healthcare and emergency response systems.
M23 authorities declared a period of mourning following the school fire, as families gathered to identify victims and search for relatives who remained missing or injured.
The death toll from Thursday’s tragedy had risen several times as rescuers searched through the ruins. Earlier estimates ranged from 14 to 24 before UNICEF confirmed 26 deaths, raising fears that the final toll could still increase.
Leave a comment