A devastating fire in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killed at least 24 schoolchildren on Thursday, September 10, after flames spread through two schools and nearby homes.
According to Reuters, the victims included 19 girls and five boys. The fire also destroyed around 300 wooden homes, leaving a large number of people displaced. At least 29 people were receiving medical treatment, including 21 who were in intensive care. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise.
The fire broke out near the schools shortly after classes had begun. Witnesses said the flames spread quickly through the densely populated area, where many buildings were made from wood and other easily flammable materials.
The two affected schools were Furaha Secondary School and Ujamaa Primary School. Students reportedly struggled to escape as the fire spread. Some children were trapped inside buildings, while others tried to escape through windows.
Local hospitals and health centres were overwhelmed by the number of victims arriving for treatment. One hospital said it had received more than 50 students, with 14 of them reported dead.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. Authorities have launched an investigation into what started the blaze and how it spread so quickly.
The tragedy occurred in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, which has been under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel movement since the group seized the city in February 2025. The region has continued to experience conflict and humanitarian difficulties.
The disaster adds to the challenges facing residents in eastern Congo, where healthcare services are already under pressure because of the wider security and health crises in the region.
