More than 20 children have been killed in a fire that engulfed two schools in Bukavu, an eastern city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to officials. The deaths occurred as children tried to flee the blaze, triggering a stampede.
Officials said the fire spread through the two schools in the city, which is held by rebels. The stampede occurred during the attempt to escape, adding to the danger as the children fled the burning buildings.
The available information does not state what caused the fire or provide a precise death toll beyond saying that more than 20 children were killed. It also does not give details about possible injuries, the condition of the schools, or whether the fire has been brought under control.
The incident has been reported as a major tragedy in Bukavu. Officials’ account identifies the fire and the subsequent stampede as the circumstances surrounding the children’s deaths. Further details about the victims and the response were not immediately provided.
