At least 24 schoolchildren have died after a fire swept through a densely populated neighbourhood in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Another 29 people were injured, while more than 300 homes were destroyed, according to a provisional assessment from local authorities.
The fire began in a house in Cimpunda, in Bukavu’s Kadutu municipality, on Thursday morning.
It then spread rapidly through nearby buildings before reaching two schools.
Bukavu fire reaches two schools
The blaze broke out at around 8 a.m. and quickly moved between buildings in the densely populated neighbourhood.
Africanews reported that the flames eventually reached Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools as residents and students tried to escape.
Local authorities said all 24 people confirmed dead were schoolchildren.
The victims included 19 girls and five boys.
Dozens injured in Bukavu fire
Authorities said 29 other people were injured.
Medical teams responded as victims were taken to health facilities across Bukavu.
Jean-Baptiste Ciza, a nurse at BDOM, told Africanews that several children had already died by the time they reached the medical centre.
Other injured children were transferred to hospitals for further treatment.
More than 300 homes destroyed
The fire also caused widespread destruction across Cimpunda.
Local authorities said more than 300 homes were destroyed in the blaze.
The neighbourhood’s dense construction appears to have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, with many buildings located close together.
Residents and emergency responders spent hours trying to control the fire and searching the affected area.
Cause of fire remains unknown
Authorities have not yet established what caused the fire.
The disaster has renewed concerns about fire safety and emergency access in densely populated parts of Bukavu.
Further investigations are expected to examine how the fire began and why it spread so quickly.
For now, families in Cimpunda are dealing with the loss of children, homes and belongings as the community begins recovering from the destruction.