At least 26 pupils die in fire at two schools in Congo

A fire in the rebel-controlled city of Bukavu in eastern Congo has claimed the lives of at least 24 schoolchildren, according to a vice governor from the region. The blaze destroyed two schools and burned down approximately 300 wooden houses, leaving a trail of destruction. Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, the vice governor of South Kivu province, confirmed the initial death toll of 24, all of whom were children.

Five boys and 19 girls perished in the tragedy. The rebel movement, known as AFC/M23, reported a provisional death toll of 24 and stated that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire. As of now, 29 people, including 21 in intensive care, are receiving medical treatment for their injuries. The fire was extinguished by the afternoon, but thick smoke still billowed from the rubble and twisted metal sheets.

A witness recounted seeing the children leaving school when the fire suddenly erupted nearby. Ambulances rushed to transport the deceased and injured to nearby medical facilities. While the final death toll may rise as investigations progress, local health workers reported that at least 10 bodies were brought to a nearby health center, and another hospital admitted over 50 students, of whom 14 tragically died.