At least 20 killed in fire that swept through Bukavu schools and homes
A fire in the AFC/M23-controlled city of Bukavu killed at least 20 people, including children, as flames spread through two primary schools, homes and a clinic.
At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured when a fire tore through two primary schools, nearby homes and a clinic in Bukavu, South Kivu, according to local authorities and medical sources cited by Al Jazeera.
The blaze reportedly began at about 8am local time in Chimpunda district and affected Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools. A stampede followed, with students reportedly trampled or forced to seek dangerous exits as smoke and flames spread.
Casualty figures remained provisional. Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, an official in the local administration, told Reuters that 24 people had died — 19 girls and five boys — and that 29 others were injured. Local authorities, cited by Radio Okapi, reported 20 deaths and an unspecified number of injuries.
A nurse at a local clinic told AFP that at least 14 children under 10 were among those killed. He said about 50 students and teachers were treated for severe asphyxia, with some patients in critical condition.
Local media reported that between 300 and 500 homes and a clinic were damaged or destroyed. The cause of the fire had not been established.
Bukavu has been under the control of the AFC/M23 movement since its offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo last year. Congolese media have reported several other fires in the city in recent days, including one that destroyed more than 45 houses.
