At least 24 children killed in Bukavu school fire
In the city of Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, at least 24 schoolchildren were killed in a stampede while trying to escape a fire that engulfed two schools. As BBC News reports, preliminary figures were released by the rebel-appointed city authorities.
The fire broke out in the densely populated commune of Kadutu. In the evening, the rebel-appointed authorities released preliminary information about the deaths of 24 schoolchildren. Adult deaths have also been reported, so the total number of victims may rise.
The death toll may rise
The injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Videos from the scene show children lying on hospital floors and in need of help. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Hundreds of homes damaged
The fire also destroyed around 300 homes. A witness quoted by Reuters said the fire was extinguished in the afternoon, but smoke was still rising above the ruins and tin structures.
Bukavu is the administrative center of South Kivu province and one of the most densely populated cities in the hills of the DR Congo. The M23 group captured the city in February last year. The government in Kinshasa expressed condolences over the tragedy without specifying the number of victims and ordered an assessment of the affected schools to ensure the continuation of education.
Download our app
Credit: Source link