BUKAVU — A fire occurred in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Thursday. The blaze killed at least 24 people, according to the rebel administration controlling Bukavu.

Moïse Lubala, a local neighborhood administrator, stated that the fire started at a house before spreading to two adjoining schools. He described how the structural layout contributed to the high casualty count among the students. Patrice Buduge, a local leader, stated that the fire was followed by a violent stampede that forced students to trample over one another or look for a dangerous way out.

Local health facilities reported varying numbers regarding the dead and injured. A local health center said it had received 10 bodies of people killed in the fire. Another hospital said it had admitted more than 50 students, 14 of whom died.

The destruction extended beyond the schools to the surrounding residential area. The fire destroyed between 300 and 500 homes, according to local media. The fire also destroyed a clinic, according to local media.

The cause of the fire is unknown. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze. Bukavu is controlled by the AFC/M23 rebel movement.

The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship of the Democratic Republic of the Congo expressed deep sorrow over the deadly fire and ordered assessments of affected schools. This response came from the national government despite its lack of control over the area where the incident occurred.

What's New

Later reporting provided specific details about the locations and mechanisms of the tragedy. The fire affected Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools in the Chimpunda district of Bukavu.

Moïse Lubala stated that several students were trapped inside Furaha secondary school and some suffocated. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23 rebel group, stated that 19 girls and five boys were killed and 29 people were being treated at local medical facilities.

A local health center said it had received 10 bodies of people killed in the fire. Moïse Lubala stated that the exit was too narrow, so some students began jumping through windows while others rushed toward the door, resulting in students being pushed over and trampled. Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, vice governor of South Kivu province in the rebel-appointed government, stated that 24 people died, comprising 19 girls and five boys.

Why It Matters

The scale of the incident is reflected in the number of casualties and the extensive property damage. At least 24 people died, including a large number of school-aged children, and dozens more required medical treatment. The fire destroyed between 300 and 500 homes as well as a clinic, displacing residents and reducing local healthcare capacity.

The event shows the challenges of emergency response and infrastructure safety in areas under non-state control. Bukavu is controlled by the AFC/M23 rebel movement, and the national government does not administer the territory. The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship ordered assessments of affected schools, indicating an attempt to address educational infrastructure safety despite the political division.