More than 20 children killed in DR Congo school fire

At least 24 children have perished in a school fire that occurred in rebel-controlled Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Witnesses report that adults also lost their lives in the flames, and there are concerns the death count may rise further due to the densely populated nature of the Kadutu commune. Survivors have been transported to nearby hospitals, where they are described as lying in pain.

The fire's cause remains unknown, while the rebel-appointed authorities have released a provisional death toll of 24 on Thursday evening. Social media images show young children motionless on the ground. A witness stated that the fire was extinguished by the afternoon, but smoke still billowed from the rubble and metal structures.

Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province and one of the most densely populated hillside cities in DR Congo, was seized by M23 rebels in February of the previous year. The government in Kinshasa issued a somber statement on social media, expressing deep sorrow for the tragedy. The statement reads, "The Minister of National Education and New Citizenship conveyed his deep sorrow over the deadly fire.

Several lives were lost and many more injured, making the toll provisional. The minister extended his condolences, pledged solidarity with the affected families, and ordered assessments of the affected schools to ensure continued education." This incident echoes a previous fire in Kinshasa last weekend, where a stampede during a wedding banquet hall resulted in resident fatalities.

The government subsequently mandated stringent safety measures and dispatched teams across the nation to enforce safety standards at public gatherings.