More than 20 children feared dead in DR Congo school fire
At least 24 schoolchildren are feared dead following a fire and subsequent stampede in the Kadutu commune of Bukavu, DR Congo. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are currently assessing the impact on the densely populated area.
Why it matters
This tragedy highlights critical infrastructure and safety concerns in conflict-affected and densely populated urban areas in the DRC.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The fire appears to have been put out but smouldering ruins remain
At least 24 schoolchildren are feared dead in a stampede as they tried to flee a fire that engulfed two schools in rebel-held Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a senior official there has said.
Adults are also reported to have died in the fire and there are fears that the death toll could rise further in the densely populated Kadutu commune.
Survivors have been taken to nearby hospitals, and footage of the scene shows children lying on hospital floors in pain.
Some 300 houses have also been destroyed in the fire, the cause of which is unknown.
Pictures circulating on social media show young children lying motionless on the ground.
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