[REVISION HISTORY]

Bukavu school and residential fire

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-12 12:19 UTC → 2026-09-13 01:10 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~Reports indicate that Bukavu is currently under~~ Recent reports suggest the ~~control of~~ blaze may have started simultaneously in three different locations approximately 500 meters apart. Both local authorities and the M23 rebel ~~group.~~ 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.

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