KINSHASA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least 15 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, the capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported.
The DRC Ministry of National Education confirmed later Thursday that the fire in the Funu area of Bukavu had affected the Furaah and Ujamaa schools, causing multiple casualties, including students, as well as numerous injuries.
The ministry did not provide a specific death toll, saying the figures remained provisional as information from different sources was being consolidated and verified. The exact circumstances and cause of the fire have yet to be established, it said in a statement.
According to local media reports, at least 15 students from the two schools were killed in a stampede while trying to flee the flames. Several others suffering from smoke inhalation were receiving medical treatment, while some of the injured were reported to be in serious condition.
The education ministry said it had instructed relevant services to assess the situation at the affected schools, identify the immediate needs of students, teachers and school communities, and take measures to assist those affected and ensure the continuity of learning.
Bukavu is currently under the control of the March 23 Movement rebel group. The ministry said students and teachers living in areas "under occupation" remain part of the country's national education community. ■