Deadly fire and stampede at schools in Bukavu, DR Congo

A devastating fire broke out on the morning of Thursday, September 10, 2026, at two school complexes in the Tshibunda district of Bukavu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The blaze, which began around 08:00 to 09:00 local time, triggered a mass panic among students and staff. Reports indicate that many victims died from asphyxiation or were crushed during a violent stampede as students attempted to flee through narrow exits or jumped from windows.

Death toll figures vary by source: local reports and some outlets cite at least 29 fatalities, while UNICEF and the M23 movement reported at least 26 child deaths, specifically identifying 20 girls and 6 boys. Additionally, approximately 50 people are reported to be in critical condition in local hospitals due to severe respiratory issues. Beyond the schools, the fire spread to surrounding areas, resulting in the destruction of over 300 homes. Investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing as the community mourns the tragedy. The incident occurred in Bukavu, a city currently held by the M23 armed movement since February 2025, in a region frequently prone to fires due to its dense wooden infrastructure.