# Bukavu school and residential fire > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bukavu-school-and-residential-fire > Updated: 2026-09-12T08:31:08.000Z. Sources: 94. Developments: 2. A major fire broke out on the morning of September 10 in the Cimpunda district of Bukavu, South Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The blaze originated in a residential area before spreading to the Ujamaa Primary School and Furaha Secondary School while classes were in session. The disaster resulted in the deaths of at least 26 to 27 students, including 19 girls and 7 boys. Casualties were attributed to smoke inhalation, asphyxia, and a violent stampede as students attempted to escape through narrow exits. Approximately 29 people were reported injured, with several in intensive care at local hospitals, including Kadutu General Hospital. Beyond the school casualties, the fire destroyed between 300 and 500 wooden homes and a local clinic. Factors contributing to the severity of the incident included a lack of accessible roads and water for firefighting, as well as environmental conditions such as a prolonged dry season. Potential causes under investigation include faulty electrical wiring, unextinguished cooking coals, or the storage of gasoline in homes. Recent reports suggest the blaze may have started simultaneously in three different locations approximately 500 meters apart. Both local authorities and the M23 rebel movement, which controls the region, have called for investigations. The M23 has declared three days of national mourning. Unicef is currently providing psychological support and assistance to affected families and communities. ## Claims - 29 people were injured in the incident. (disputed by 15 sources) - The provisional death toll is 26, consisting of 19 girls and 7 boys. (disputed by 14 sources) - The fire destroyed between 300 and 500 homes. (disputed by 10 sources) - At least 24 students died in the fire, including 19 girls and five boys. (disputed by 9 sources) - The fire destroyed more than 500 homes and resulted in a provisional death toll of 27. (disputed by 5 sources) - Unicef reported at least 26 children died and 25 were injured in the incident. (disputed by 3 sources) - The M23 movement confirmed 26 deaths, consisting of 20 girls and 6 boys. (disputed by 3 sources) - The fire destroyed at least 500 houses in the area. (disputed) - The city of Bukavu is under the control of the M23 rebel group. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation. (corroborated by 13 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Bukavu school fire kills at least 26 children in DRC At least 26 children died and dozens were injured following a fire and subsequent stampede at primary schools in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Investigations into the cause are underway. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bukavu-school-fire-kills-at-least-26-students ### 2026-09-10: Bukavu school fire kills at least 26 students in DR Congo At least 26 people, mostly students, died and hundreds of homes were destroyed after a fire spread to two schools in Bukavu, DR Congo, triggering a fatal stampede during morning classes. 82 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bukavu-school-fire-and-stampede-kill-multiple-children-in-dr-congo --- Cite as: Bukavu school and residential fire. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bukavu-school-and-residential-fire