At least 24 schoolchildren are feared dead after a stampede during a fire that engulfed two schools in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
A senior official in the rebel-held city said the children were among those who died as pupils attempted to escape the blaze in the densely populated Kadutu commune. Several adults are also reported to have died.
The fire destroyed about 300 houses, while its cause remains unknown. Survivors have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Images and footage circulating from the scene show injured children receiving medical attention, while smoke continued to rise from the remains of buildings after the fire was brought under control.
Rebel-appointed authorities said they were assessing the situation and planned to issue a provisional death toll. The final number of casualties could therefore be higher.
Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, is one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s most densely populated cities. The city has been under the control of the M23 rebel group since its capture in February 2025.
Meanwhile, authorities in Kinshasa expressed condolences to families affected by the tragedy. The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship said several people had died and many others were injured.
The government has ordered assessments of the affected schools and measures to ensure learning can continue.
The disaster comes days after another deadly stampede at a wedding venue in Kinshasa. That incident prompted the government to order stricter safety measures at public gathering places nationwide.
