At least 26 students have been confirmed dead after a massive fire triggered a stampede at two schools in Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The blaze reportedly started in a nearby residential building in the densely populated Cimpunda area before spreading to the adjacent Furaha Secondary School and Ujamaa Primary School.
Witnesses said students were trapped inside as thick smoke and flames rapidly spread through the buildings.
With exits becoming overcrowded, some students reportedly attempted to escape through windows while others were caught in the crush.
Authorities said the victims included 20 girls and six boys, while at least 29 people were injured and taken to nearby medical facilities.
Several of those injured were reportedly in critical condition.
The fire also destroyed around 300 homes in the surrounding community, leaving many families without shelter and belongings.
Local health workers said medical facilities struggled to cope with the large number of casualties, with some victims suffering from suffocation and other injuries sustained while fleeing the fire.
The exact cause of the blaze remains unknown.
Authorities have launched an investigation as residents and emergency responders continue to search the heavily damaged area.
The tragedy comes as Bukavu remains under the control of the AFC/M23 rebel group, amid continuing instability in eastern Congo.
(Photo Courtesy: AP)
