29 Dead in DRC Rebel-Held City School Fire
Summary
At least 29 people were killed in a fire that tore through schools and surrounding homes in rebel-held Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Many of the victims were students, and dozens more were injured as panic and smoke swept through the area.
Key Points
- The death toll in the school fire in rebel-held Bukavu has risen to 29, with most of the dead reported to be students.
- The blaze spread from the Chimpunda area to Ujama Primary School, Furaha Secondary School, and nearby settlements, destroying about 300 wooden houses.
- Local officials said students trampled each other while fleeing, and many victims suffocated from smoke.
- AFC/M23 said 29 injured people are receiving treatment and that rescue teams have been deployed, while the cause of the fire remains unclear.
