A mass funeral ceremony for 26 children who lost their lives in a school fire in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, was held with the presence of families and thousands of residents of the city. This heartbreaking incident occurred on September 11 at the Ojamah primary school located in the Chimponda neighborhood of the densely populated Kadutu area in Bukavu.
Details of the Fire and Casualties
The fire started at 9 AM local time while students were attending classes. As the flames spread through the wooden building, some children jumped from the upper floors while others rushed towards the exits. This led to a stampede in which several students were trampled.
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According to the Congolese Ministry of Education, multiple fires started within 500 meters of each other, and some victims died from smoke inhalation. The fire also led to the destruction of hundreds of homes in the area, with local estimates indicating that around 300 houses were affected. In one of the hospitals, 21 patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit.
Grief and Mourning in the Bukavu Community
Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, has been under the control of the armed group AFC/M23, supported by Rwanda, since February 2025. M23 officials announced that a three-day period of public mourning would be observed. Initially, the death toll was reported as 24, including 19 girls and 5 boys, but this number was later increased to 26.
The exact cause of the fire is still unknown, and both Kinshasa officials and the M23 administration have called for investigations into the matter. This tragedy has not only had a profound impact on families and the local community but also raises concerning social and economic dimensions.
Amid the grief that has cast a shadow over this community, numerous questions have arisen regarding school safety and living conditions in this densely populated area. Similar fires and the dangers they pose are ongoing issues that continuously threaten the residents of these regions.
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