26 Students Killed as Fire Sweeps Through Two Schools in Congo’s Bukavu

The South Kivu provincial government said 19 girls and seven boys were among those killed in Thursday's blaze. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

The fire began at a house in a densely populated neighbourhood before spreading to the nearby Furaha secondary school and Ujamaa primary school, according to local officials.

Several students were trapped inside Furaha school, with some reportedly suffocating as smoke filled the building. Others were injured while trying to escape through a narrow exit.

Local neighbourhood administrator Moïse Lubala said the restricted exit triggered panic among students. Some reportedly jumped through windows, while others rushed towards the doorway, leading to people being pushed over and trampled.

The M23 rebel administration, which controls Bukavu, had initially reported 24 student deaths and 29 people receiving medical treatment. Medical workers later described difficulties in determining the exact number of injured because of the large influx of casualties.

The blaze also destroyed hundreds of buildings, according to reports, with the fire spreading rapidly through the densely built-up area where many homes are made of wood.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are investigating the incident.

M23 seized control of Bukavu in February 2025 amid the continuing conflict in eastern Congo. The region remains plagued by armed groups competing for territory and access to its mineral wealth.

The disaster has further strained local health services, which are already dealing with a major humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo.