Bukavu school fire kills at least 26 children in DRC

Bukavu school fire Democratic Republic of the Congo M23 rebels student stampede South Kivu

A devastating fire in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has resulted in the deaths of at least 26 to 27 children. The incident occurred on the morning of Thursday, September 10, 2026, affecting the Ujamaa and Furaha primary schools in the densely populated Kadutu neighborhood.

The fire, which reportedly began near residential structures, triggered widespread panic among students. Many children died due to a stampede, trampling, or asphyxiation from smoke as they attempted to flee the flames. At least 25 other children were reported injured, with some in critical condition.

Local authorities and the M23 rebel movement, which controls the region, have both called for investigations into the cause of the fire. Some reports indicate the blaze may have started simultaneously in three different locations approximately 500 meters apart. The M23 has declared three days of national mourning.

Unicef is providing psychological support and assistance to the affected families and communities. The tragedy has caused significant distress in a region already impacted by ongoing conflict.

Entities

Bukavu · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Furaha School · M23 · Ministry of National Education · South Kivu · UNICEF · Ujamaa School

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The M23 movement declared three days of national mourning. tchadvision.com · ruta135.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Local authorities and civil society reported the death toll as high as 27 children. goyaennoticias.com.ar · akref.ead.de · panafricanvisions.com
[DISPUTED] The fire destroyed at least 500 houses in the area. akref.ead.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] The fire reportedly began in a private house before spreading to the Ujamaa and Furaha schools. akref.ead.de
[DISPUTED] The M23 movement confirmed 26 deaths, consisting of 20 girls and 6 boys. tchadvision.com · ruta135.com · tchadinfos.com
[DISPUTED] Unicef reported at least 26 children died and 25 were injured in the incident. ruta135.com · lahora.pe · tchadinfos.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The fire reportedly broke out at three different locations approximately 500 meters apart simultaneously. tchadvision.com · tchadinfos.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Inspectors reported that the panic caused a stampede resulting in trampling and asphyxiation. tchadvision.com · lahora.pe · tchadinfos.com