A catastrophic fire has impacted the city of Bukavu, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo -
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Fires
At least 24 students lost their lives and 29 others sustained injuries when a fire swept through a densely populated area in Bukavu on Thursday, as reported by local officials.
The deceased included 19 girls and five boys, with several of the injured in critical condition, raising concerns that the number of fatalities could rise as rescuers continued to search through the debris.
The blaze erupted in the Kadutu district while children were en route to school. Eyewitnesses reported that flames rapidly spread to adjacent homes, many constructed primarily of wood, consuming two schools and over 300 residences.
Ambulances were dispatched to the site to transport the injured, while locals hurried to save family members and retrieve possessions from the fire.
By day’s end, the fire had been contained, although thick clouds of smoke continued to rise from the scorched remains of the area. Authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain the cause of the inferno.
The devastation has rendered hundreds of families homeless and compounded the difficulties faced by residents of Bukavu, a city already enduring a significant humanitarian crisis.
Bukavu is presently under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group, which the United Nations and various Western nations have accused Rwanda of supporting, a claim that Rwanda denies. The broader region has been experiencing months of instability, mass displacement, and restricted access to essential services.
Local officials have sought assistance for the grieving families and those who have lost their homes, as rescue efforts and damage assessments progress.
