Tragedy in Congo: 26 Students Killed as Fire Engulfs Two Schools in Bukavu

A catastrophic fire swept through two schools in the eastern city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 students. Among the deceased are 19 girls and 7 boys. An additional 29 students sustained injuries and are currently undergoing medical treatment at local healthcare facilities. According to initial reports, the blaze originated in a nearby residential house before rapidly spreading to Furaha Secondary School and Ujamaa Primary School. Many students became trapped inside Furaha Secondary School as flames engulfed the building, leading to severe smoke inhalation among those unable to escape. The incident occurred in a densely populated area currently under the control of Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 rebels, who launched an offensive in eastern Congo in February 2025. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue. The severity of the tragedy was exacerbated by structural vulnerabilities and panic. Reports indicate that the exit routes within the school building were extremely narrow. When the fire broke out, a violent stampede ensued as frantic students rushed toward the main exit, while others attempted to jump out of windows. Local official Moise Lubala stated that students collided with one another during the rush to escape, causing several children to fall and become trampled in the chaos. Other victims succumbed to asphyxiation due to dense smoke. The exact cause of the initial fire remains unknown, and an investigation into the origin of the blaze is currently underway. Emergency response teams and local authorities are maintaining relief efforts, working to confirm the final casualty count while ensuring medical care for the injured.