DR Congo school fire claims young lives
Mourners gathered in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, to bury children killed in a devastating school fire that swept through two adjoining schools in Kadutu commune. At least 24 children lost their lives. Dozens more were injured, many needing urgent medical attention. The incident unfolded during morning lessons, plunging schools into chaos. Trapped by flames, students tried to escape; many jumped from upper floors, rushed towards narrow exits, leading to a deadly stampede. Children were trampled, suffering asphyxiation as smoke filled confined spaces. The fire originated in a nearby house, spreading to Ujamaa primary and Furaha secondary schools. Its exact cause is under investigation. Authorities highlight Bukavu's risks: numerous wooden structures built close together, lack of firefighting equipment, and illegal electrical connections. These factors frequently contribute to rapid spread of blazes. Beyond the human toll, the fire destroyed hundreds of homes, displacing countless families. Over 500 residences were destroyed in Bagira district. Bukavu, capital of South Kivu, is an urban center in eastern DRC, under M23 armed group control. Both M23 and the Kinshasa government expressed condolences, calling for investigations. M23 declared three days of mourning. Funerals for young victims drew large crowds, underscoring the disaster's deep impact. Red Cross workers offered support. Residents appealed to authorities to address persistent deadly fires, urging better urban planning and emergency response. The tragedy reminds of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in schools and residential areas.
