School Fire in DR Congo Claims Lives of Over 20 Children
A tragic fire in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, primarily schoolchildren. The incident occurred during a chaotic stampede as the fire engulfed two schools in a rebel-held area.
Sources
At least 24 schoolchildren have died in a stampede while fleeing a fire that engulfed two schools in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with fears that the death toll may rise. In addition to the children, adults are also reported to have perished in the blaze, which destroyed approximately 300 houses, and is still under investigation for its cause. The government expressed its condolences and emphasized the need for safety assessments in schools following this tragedy, which follows a similar incident in Kinshasa where residents died in a stampede.
A fire in Bukavu, a rebel-controlled city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has claimed at least 20 lives, including students, with reports indicating up to 24 deaths, among them 19 girls and five boys. The fire, which broke out in the Chimpunda district near two primary schools, also injured 29 people, with at least 14 of the deceased being children under 10 years old. Additionally, the blaze damaged between 300 and 500 homes, adding to a series of recent fires in the area.