A devastating fire in Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) rebel-controlled city of Bukavu has claimed at least 20 lives, primarily among students, according to local media and medical sources. The incident occurred on Thursday when a fire broke out in the Chimpunda district of Bukavu, South Kivu’s provincial capital, prompting an immediate response from international aid organizations. United Nations Radio Okapi, quoting local authorities, reported that 20 people were killed and an unspecified number injured, with the incident initially attributed to a structural failure within the Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools. The fire rapidly spread, fueled by dry vegetation and potentially exacerbated by the students’ attempts to escape the blaze, according to Patrice Buduge, a leader of the rebel administration. The fire, which began around 8 am local time, quickly engulfed several buildings, including the schools themselves, resulting in significant damage to property and a considerable number of homes and a clinic within the area. Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, an official from the rebel administration, confirmed that 24 people – 19 girls and five boys – had perished, with the deaths occurring within the immediate vicinity of the schools. Christophe Zigashane, a nurse at a local clinic, stated that at least 14 children were among the deceased, highlighting the severity of the tragedy. The situation has been further complicated by a stampede of students, which forced them to trample over one another or seek a dangerous exit, leading to several instances of unconsciousness and potential loss of consciousness among the victims. Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed the blaze consuming several houses, amidst a rapidly spreading fire that reached the two schools. Local media also reported that the fire devastated between 300 and 500 homes and a clinic within the area, with the death toll remaining provisional and the cause of the fire yet to be definitively established. Several people were treated for smoke inhalation, with some reported to be in critical condition. The Congolese media has noted a recurring pattern of fires in Bukavu in recent days, including a blaze that destroyed more than 45 houses last Sunday. Bukavu has been under control by the AFC/M23 rebels since the group staged a lightning offensive in eastern DRC earlier last year. The incident underscores the ongoing instability and humanitarian crisis in the region, raising concerns about the safety of civilians and the potential for further displacement and suffering. The Congolese government has not yet released an official statement regarding the death toll, but sources within the region suggest that the situation is rapidly escalating. The exact nature of the fire’s origin remains unclear, though initial investigations point to a combination of factors including dry conditions and potential structural weaknesses in the buildings.”}” , 3 tags: [
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Source: Al Jazeera
