This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2026 shows a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
KINSHASA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported.
The DRC Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship confirmed that the fire in the Funu area of Bukavu affected the Furaah and Ujamaa schools, which claimed several lives, including students, and left many injured.
"The death toll remains provisional and may be revised as information gathered from various sources is consolidated and verified. The exact circumstances and cause of the fire are also still under investigation," the ministry said in a statement.
According to local media, 15 students from the two schools were killed in a stampede as they tried to flee the flames. Some of the injured were reported to be in serious condition, while others suffering from smoke inhalation were receiving medical treatment.
The education ministry has instructed relevant services to assess the situation at the affected schools, identify the immediate needs of students, teachers and school communities, and assist those affected and ensure the continuity of learning.
Bukavu is currently under the control of the March 23 Movement rebel group. ■
People gather at a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sept. 10, 2026. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2026 shows a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2026 shows a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2026 shows a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2026 shows a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
People gather at a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sept. 10, 2026. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2026 shows a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)
This photo taken on Sept. 10, 2026 shows a fire site in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. At least 21 students were killed and several others seriously injured in a fire that broke out Thursday in Bukavu, capital of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)'s South Kivu Province, local media reported. (Xinhua)