School fire in Bukavu kills at least 20 amid rebel control
At least 24 students have died in a fire and stampede at Ujamaa primary and Furaha secondary schools in rebel-held Bukavu, with 29 others injured and nearly 50 treated for asphyxia. The incident, which destroyed two schools and over 300 homes in the Chimpunda district, follows a series of recent fires in the city and has prompted an investigation by local authorities.
Al Jazeera English identifies the specific institutions involved as Ujamaa primary and Furaha secondary schools in the Chimpunda neighbourhood, noting that local nurse Christophe Zigashane reported receiving approximately 50 students and teachers in critical condition from asphyxia. The outlet also highlights a pattern of recent conflagrations in Bukavu, including a separate fire last Sunday that destroyed over 45 homes.
Source: Al Jazeera EnglishAfricanews reports that authorities have confirmed the victims include 19 girls and five boys, with 29 others injured, some in critical condition. The investigation into the cause of the blaze continues as the fire, which started while students were commuting, has now been brought under control.
Source: AfricanewsBBC Africa reports that the death toll has risen to at least 24 students following a stampede during the evacuation, with officials warning that casualties may increase further as 300 homes were also destroyed in the blaze.
Source: BBC AfricaA deadly blaze in the rebel-held city of Bukavu has claimed at least 20 lives, including primary school students, according to local officials and medical personnel.
Source: Al Jazeera English
