In brief
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo a fire blazed through two schools in Bukavu’s Kadutu commune. When teachers and parents rushed to safety a panic‑driven stampede caused a dozen or more deaths, mainly among students. Witnesses describe children on mangled hospital floors amid smoke‑filled ruins. The cause of the blaze remains uncertain as officials review damage and provide aid. Public safety reforms are underway after similar deadly incidents earlier this month.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a blaze ignited two schools in the densely populated Kadutu commune of Bukavu. During the evacuation a chaotic stampede brought a tragic toll of at least twenty‑four victims, mainly children, according to local officials.
Benign exits turned lethal as children rushed toward the exit, colliding with the rubble of burning buildings. Surviving pupils were taken to nearby hospitals, where footage shows young faces twisted by pain on stark beds.
Initial investigations have not established an origin for the fire; some 300 homes in the area were destroyed along with the educational facilities, leaving the community in dire need of relief.
Rebel‑installed authorities released a provisional death figure of 24 and warned that the true number could exceed this figure once displaced residents are counted.
The tragedy follows a similar death‑trapped incident last weekend at a wedding banquet hall in Kinshasa, amplifying calls for stricter fire safety enforcement across public venues.
Aftermath and Response
The Kinshasa government, via X, released a statement expressing deep sorrow. The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship issued a condolence tone and urged a continuity of learning for affected schools. The government also pledged an assessment of schools for safety improvements.
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