Tragedy in Bukavu: Fire at Two Schools Claims 24 Lives

Fri Sep 11 2026 10:45:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A blaze at two schools in rebel‑held Bukavu kills 24 children and several adults, raising urgent calls for safety and aid.

A devastating fire that engulfed two schools in Bukavu, a city now under rebel control, has killed at least 24 children and several adults. Survivors, many of whom were children, were rescued and taken to nearby hospitals with serious injuries, while the blaze also destroyed roughly 300 houses in the surrounding area. Local authorities report that the fire was likely triggered by an undetermined source, but its timing left the community caught in a deadly stampede. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved school safety standards and humanitarian support in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

A blaze at two schools in rebel‑held Bukavu now claims 24 children and several adults.

According to local officials, a fire erupted in both the Ayna and St Paul's schools, leading to a chaotic stampede as students and staff attempted to flee. The fire was reportedly extinguished by afternoon, but smoke smouldered through the ruins of the buildings and nearby houses. Early reports say that the blaze destroyed some 300 homes in the Kadutu commune, although its cause remains unknown.

At least 24 schoolchildren have died, and a number of adults are believed to have perished in the flames or the subsequent panic. Rescue teams carried injured survivors to local hospitals, where several children were photographed lying on hospital beds with visible injuries. Witness accounts noted that the victims lay motionless on the ground, and the scene is still a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in poorly built school facilities.

Official statements from the rebel‑appointed authorities released a provisional death toll of 24 on Thursday evening, but officials expressed concern that the true number may be higher. In response, the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) expressing sorrow and offering condolences to the families impacted. The ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to assessing damaged schools to restore learning continuity.

This tragedy follows a similar accidental blaze in Kinshasa last week, where a wedding banquet hall fire sent people scrambling and resulted in a fatal stampede. The government subsequently mandated stringent safety measures and dispatched teams nationwide to patrol public gathering places for compliance with fire safety regulations.

Bulb scenarios in Bukavu underscore the fragility of life in conflict zones where infrastructure is often neglected. As international solidarity calls grow louder, the need for fuel‑safe construction practices, emergency drills, and rapid response teams becomes imperative to safeguard children and communities in the DR Congo’s eastern provinces.