Bukavu school fire: families gather at morgue ahead of mass funeral
Families of victims of the 11 September school fire in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, assembled at a local morgue to prepare for a mass funeral. At least 26 children died in the blaze and the resulting stampede, according to UNICEF, while 25 others were injured. The fire broke out around 9:00 am local time while classes were underway.
September 15, 2026
2 min read
Source: Lesedi Times
What happened during the Bukavu school fire?
The fire began on 11 September in two schools in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Students were in lessons when flames spread rapidly through the densely built hillside area of wooden houses. A stampede followed as children tried to escape, contributing to the final death toll.
Why is the city holding a mass funeral?
Relatives have been arriving at the morgue in the days since the incident to identify and claim bodies ahead of a collective burial service. The scale of the loss has prompted an outpouring of grief across the country.
What response has come from local authorities?
The M23 armed group, which has controlled Bukavu since February 2025, declared three days of mourning. The measure reflects the widespread emotional reaction to the deaths of so many children.
How common are fires in Bukavu?
The city, located on the shores of Lake Kivu, sees frequent deadly fires. Specialists link them to closely packed wooden buildings on steep slopes and illegal connections to the electricity grid. Firefighting equipment remains limited in many Congolese urban areas.
What similar incidents have occurred recently?
A fire at a wedding in Kinshasa last week killed 12 people. In October another blaze in Bukavu claimed 14 lives, most of them children. These events underline recurring safety challenges in the region.
Frequently asked questions
When did the fire start?
The blaze began around 9:00 am local time on 11 September while children were attending classes.
How many children were affected?
UNICEF reports that at least 26 children died and 25 were injured in the fire and stampede.
Who controls Bukavu?
The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has held the city since February 2025.
Why do fires spread quickly in the area?
Wooden houses built close together on hillsides, combined with limited firefighting resources, allow flames to move rapidly.
Has mourning been declared?
M23 announced three days of mourning following the tragedy.
