A fire broke out in two schools in Bukavu, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo controlled by rebel forces, triggering a chaotic evacuation that turned into a deadly stampede. Local health officials confirmed that the blaze claimed the lives of dozens of pupils, with the death toll still being verified.

Casualties and Conflicting Figures

Initial reports from the Ministry of Health indicated that at least 14 children had perished, while the World Health Organization’s field office in Goma cited a higher figure of 21 deaths. Media outlets in the region offered varying counts: Sky News and India Today reported 26 fatalities, Al Jazeera put the number at 29, and UA.NEWS and Xinhua cited 24 and 21 deaths respectively. The BBC, which has been tracking the incident, described the loss as "more than 20 children killed," reflecting the uncertainty that still surrounds the exact toll.

Watch: DRC: Deadly fire ravages school and entire neighbourhood in Bukavu — africanews

“A narrow exit triggered a deadly crush,” India Today reported.

In addition to the confirmed deaths, dozens of students and teachers suffered injuries ranging from burns to crush‑related trauma. Emergency responders struggled to reach the scene because the fire spread rapidly to adjoining houses, turning the surrounding neighbourhood into a secondary disaster zone.

South Kivu, DR Congo- During a night patrol, the head of Office of MONUSCO South Kivu, Karna Soro, encourages a child who sells on the street, to go back to school
South Kivu, DR Congo- During a night patrol, the head of Office of MONUSCO South Kivu, Karna Soro, encourages a child who sells on the street, to go back to school (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

How the Tragedy Unfolded

According to eyewitness accounts relayed by Africanews and local radio, the fire ignited shortly after classes began, quickly engulfing both school buildings. As flames rose, pupils rushed toward the only available exit, a narrow doorway that became a bottleneck. The resulting crush caused many to suffocate or be trampled, compounding the fatalities caused directly by the fire.

Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the blaze. Early speculation includes an electrical fault or an accidental ignition, but officials have urged caution pending a formal investigation. The incident occurred in a part of Bukavu that has been under the influence of the M23 rebel group, complicating the deployment of national security forces and humanitarian aid.

Bukavu centre ville
Bukavu centre ville (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Response and Ongoing Relief Efforts

Provincial health officials dispatched emergency teams to treat the injured and to conduct a preliminary identification of the deceased. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the mobilisation of medical supplies and trauma kits to the affected area. Local NGOs, including the Red Cross, set up temporary shelters for displaced families and began distribution of food and clothing.

International reaction has been swift, with the European Union and several African nations expressing condolences and pledging support for the victims’ families. The Congolese government, while limited in its reach within rebel‑held territories, has vowed to investigate the incident and to improve safety standards in schools across the country.

As the community mourns, the tragedy underscores the vulnerability of educational facilities in conflict‑affected regions of the DRC. Advocates for child safety are calling for stricter building codes, better fire‑prevention measures, and the establishment of multiple, clearly marked exits in schools to prevent a repeat of the deadly stampede that unfolded in Bukavu.