BUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo — A devastating fire in Bukavu has killed at least 26 students, according to South Kivu provincial authorities, in one of the region's most serious recent tragedies.

The blaze erupted on September 10 in the densely populated Chimpunda neighbourhood and spread to two nearby schools, Furaha Secondary School and Ujamaa Primary School. Local officials said surrounding wooden homes were also destroyed.

The victims included 19 girls and seven boys, while dozens of other people were injured and taken to local health facilities for treatment.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as students attempted to escape the burning buildings. Some children were reportedly trapped inside the schools as the fire spread rapidly.

The incident has placed renewed attention on fire safety, overcrowding and vulnerable infrastructure in densely populated areas of eastern DRC.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which remained unclear as emergency teams and residents dealt with the aftermath.

The tragedy occurred in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, which has been controlled by the AFC/M23 movement since February 2025, adding another layer of complexity to the emergency response.

Local medical facilities have faced pressure from the large number of casualties, while residents have begun clearing debris and searching for belongings among the destroyed structures.

The rising death toll has triggered widespread concern over the safety of children and public infrastructure in conflict-affected eastern Congo.

Authorities are expected to continue identifying victims, treating survivors and determining how the fire started and why it spread so quickly.

The Bukavu tragedy has become a major national concern, with families and communities mourning as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze.