At least 20 children feared dead in DR Congo school fire

At least 20 people have been reported dead and 29 injured following a fire that ripped through two primary schools and numerous homes in the rebel-controlled city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo on Thursday. The disaster has left the Chimpunda district and Kadutu commune devastated in South Kivu province, straining local medical facilities and exacerbating humanitarian concerns in an already conflict-ridden region.

The fire, which began around 8 am, targeted the Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools as well as a nearby settlement. Bukavu has been held by the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 movement since their capture of the regional capital last year. The blaze rapidly consumed corrugated metal structures, obliterating around 300-500 homes, a local clinic, and extensive residential areas.

Survivors and medical workers recounted scenes of utter chaos as flames approached the educational facilities, with many victims trampling each other in the panic. The initial death toll stands at 20, though it may rise higher according to regional administration figures.