At least 24 schoolchildren are feared dead after a fire tore through a densely populated residential area in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, before spreading to two primary schools and destroying hundreds of homes.
The blaze broke out on Thursday morning, September 10, 2026, in Tshimpunda neighbourhood in Kadutu Commune, according to AFC-M23. Several houses were destroyed before the flames reached Mosala Primary School in Kadutu and Nongo Primary School in neighbouring Bagira Commune.
AFC-M23 said the preliminary number of deaths had reached 24, including 19 girls and five boys. Another 29 people were undergoing treatment at medical facilities in the area, with 21 of them admitted to intensive care.
Of those receiving critical care, 17 were at Kadutu General Hospital while four others were being treated at Bukavu Provincial General Hospital, the group said.
Emergency response teams were sent to the area and managed to bring the fire under control, stopping it from spreading further through nearby residential buildings.
"The preliminary death toll from this tragedy stands at 24, comprising 19 girls and 5 boys. Additionally, 29 people are currently receiving treatment at local medical facilities, with 21 admitted to intensive care," said the M23.
The fire also triggered panic as children attempted to flee the affected schools. BBC reported that some of the children were caught in a stampede as they tried to escape, while adults were also among those reported dead.
The inferno destroyed about 300 houses, leaving a large number of residents affected by the incident. The cause of the fire had not been established by Thursday, with authorities and emergency teams beginning investigations to establish what sparked the blaze and how it spread.
"Thorough investigations are underway to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the fire," It added.
AFC-M23 appealed for calm among residents as efforts to assess the damage and respond to those affected continued. The group also warned against the spread of rumours and disinformation as investigations into the tragedy proceed.
The death toll could rise because of the high population density in Kadutu, according to the BBC.
Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, has been under the control of M23 since the group captured the city.