A devastating fire at a school in Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has killed at least 29 people, including 28 students, in a tragedy that has left families and the local community in mourning.
Survivors described desperate attempts to escape as flames spread rapidly through the overcrowded school building, leaving students scrambling to find a way out as the fire intensified.
The blaze reportedly spread quickly through wooden structures, trapping children inside the building. Rescue teams later entered the damaged classrooms and recovered the bodies of victims after the flames were brought under control.
The fire has raised serious concerns about safety conditions at the school, including overcrowding and the use of wooden structures that may have allowed the flames to spread rapidly.
Families gathered as authorities worked to identify the victims and assess the full extent of the damage. The loss of so many young students has sent shockwaves through the community.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are examining whether adequate safety measures were in place.
As the investigation continues, families are mourning children whose lives were cut short, while the tragedy has renewed concerns about fire safety and protection in overcrowded schools.
