Families in eastern Congo are mourning after a devastating fire swept through two schools in Bukavu, killing at least 26 students. The victims include 19 girls and seven boys, while dozens of other students were injured in the blaze.
The fire reportedly spread from a nearby house into densely packed wooden structures, quickly trapping students inside. As flames and smoke spread, children rushed to escape, triggering a desperate stampede.
Emergency teams responded as injured students were taken for medical treatment. The scale of the tragedy has left families searching for information about their children and communities struggling to cope with the loss.
UNICEF says the disaster has caused severe psychological distress among children and families affected by the fire. Survivors are also facing the trauma of witnessing the deadly incident.
Authorities are investigating how the fire started and how it spread so quickly through the buildings. Questions are also being raised about safety conditions at the schools.
The tragedy has brought mourning across Bukavu, with families grieving the loss of young lives. As the investigation continues, authorities and humanitarian organisations are focusing on supporting survivors and affected families.
