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Fire in rebel-held east Congo kills 24 schoolchildren, official says
Reuters • • world
Key Points:
- A fire in the rebel-controlled city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, killed at least 24 children and destroyed two schools along with around 300 wooden houses, according to Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, vice governor of South Kivu province under the Rwanda-backed AFC/M23 movement.
- The victims included 19 girls and five boys, with 29 people injured and receiving medical treatment, 21 of whom are in intensive care, as stated by the AFC/M23 group.
- The blaze occurred near schools shortly after children had arrived, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the rebel administration.
- Witnesses and health workers suggest the death toll may rise, with some reports indicating additional adult casualties and hospitals admitting over 50 students, 14 of whom later died.
- The fire was extinguished by the afternoon, but significant destruction remains visible, including rubble and twisted metal sheets at the scene.
