A school fire in Bukavu, DR Congo, kills more than 20 children
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on BBC
A fire destroyed two schools in Bukavu, in eastern DR Congo, killing more than 20 children. A crush occurred during the evacuation of the buildings, according to the authorities, in a city then controlled by rebel groups.
At least 24 schoolchildren died in a crush while trying to flee a fire that destroyed two schools in Bukavu, in eastern DR Congo, local officials cited by the BBC said. The city is located in an area held by rebels.
Adults may also have died in the fire, while the ruins of the schools continued to smoulder after rescue teams had attended, according to the BBC.
In maps and figures
In figures · DR Congo
Conflicts in eastern DR Congo
In October 2026 : 259 reported deaths (+27%) · Sud-Kivu : 64 · 5.3 million internally displaced · 2026 plan funded at 53%
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