A devastating Congo school fire killed at least 26 students and injured dozens in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on Thursday.
The fire spread through two neighboring schools after starting at a nearby house, according to local officials and witnesses. The South Kivu provincial government said 19 girls and seven boys were among those killed.
Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue teams and medical workers continue to assess the victims.
Congo School Fire Traps Students
The blaze affected Furaha secondary school and Ujamaa primary school.
Local neighborhood administrator Moïse Lubala said several students became trapped inside Furaha school as smoke filled the building.
Some students reportedly suffocated while trying to escape.
The schools are located in a densely populated area where many homes are made from wood. However, authorities have not yet established what caused the fire.
Students Jump From Windows
The fire created panic as students tried to flee the buildings.
Lubala said the main exit was too narrow to handle the large number of students rushing outside.
As a result, some students jumped through windows while others pushed toward the doorway. The rush caused several students to fall and become trapped under others.
Medical workers later received injured students still wearing their school uniforms.
Hospitals Struggle With Victims
Local health facilities quickly became overwhelmed.
Nurse Ciza Jean-Baptiste said medical workers were struggling to determine the exact number of injured because so many victims arrived at the same time.
The M23 administration reported that dozens of people were receiving medical treatment, while Reuters reported that some victims were in intensive care.
The situation has placed additional pressure on an already strained healthcare system in eastern Congo.
Fire Destroys Homes Near Schools
The blaze also caused extensive damage beyond the two schools.
Reuters reported that around 300 wooden homes were destroyed in the fire. Smoke continued to rise from the damaged area after the flames were brought under control.
Residents said the densely packed neighborhood made it difficult for people to escape quickly.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause and circumstances of the disaster.
Bukavu Remains Under M23 Control
The tragedy occurred in Bukavu, a city controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group since February 2025.
The conflict has left eastern Congo facing continuing instability. More than 100 armed groups have competed for influence in the mineral-rich region.
The area’s vast mineral resources are important to global technology supply chains.
Health System Faces More Pressure
Eastern Congo’s health services are already under severe strain.
The region is also dealing with a major Ebola outbreak, adding further pressure on hospitals and medical workers.
The latest school fire has therefore created another serious humanitarian challenge for communities already affected by conflict and limited access to healthcare.
The cause of the Congo school fire remains under investigation, while authorities and medical workers continue to deal with the growing number of victims.
