Deadly fire at schools in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

A devastating fire broke out at the Furaha school complex in the Cibunda district of Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the morning of September 10, 2026. While initial reports from one source cited at least 24 fatalities, subsequent reports from local authorities and media indicate that at least 29 people, including many children, have died. The blaze, which began around 08:00 local time, engulfed both a primary and a secondary school, triggering a chaotic evacuation.

The high casualty count is attributed to a combination of the spreading flames and a violent stampede among the panicked students. Local officials report that students struggled to escape, with some sustaining fatal injuries during the crush, while others reportedly attempted to jump from windows to avoid the fire. The narrow layout of the facilities and difficulties in executing a rapid evacuation exacerbated the disaster.

Rescue operations and investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing as officials warn that the death toll may continue to rise. Families and the local community are currently mourning the victims as authorities work to establish the full sequence of events that led to the tragedy.