A devastating fire in the rebel-controlled city of Bukavu, Congo, has resulted in the deaths of at least 24 schoolchildren, according to the AFC/M23 movement, which governs the area. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, also destroyed two schools and approximately 300 wooden houses, as reported by Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, the vice governor of South Kivu province. The AFC/M23 has initiated an investigation into the cause and circumstances surrounding the blaze, which has left 29 individuals injured, with 21 requiring intensive medical care. This information was reported by Reuters.
The victims included 19 girls and five boys, highlighting the tragic impact on the local community. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire broke out shortly after children had arrived at school, causing panic and chaos. Pierre Mudahama, a local resident, described the scene, noting that the fire erupted not far from the school premises.
As the fire was extinguished by the afternoon, smoke continued to rise from the debris, which included twisted metal sheets and piles of rubble. Local health facilities reported receiving multiple casualties, with one centre confirming the arrival of 10 bodies. Another hospital indicated that over 50 students were admitted for treatment, with 14 of them succumbing to their injuries.
The AFC/M23 movement, which has been in control of Bukavu since a rapid advance across eastern Congo last year, has stated that the provisional death toll stands at 24. However, local residents and health workers have expressed concerns that the final number of casualties may increase as investigations continue.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by communities in eastern Congo, where violence and instability have persisted for years. The international community is likely to monitor the situation closely as the investigation unfolds and further details emerge.
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