At least 14 children killed in fire at schools in eastern DR Congo

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed that a fire that swept through two schools in the eastern province of North Kivu on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 14 children, with dozens more injured. Local officials said the blaze broke out shortly after classes began, quickly engulfing the wooden structures that house the classrooms. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the rapid spread of flames and limited evacuation routes hampered rescue efforts. The victims, aged between six and twelve, were among the hundreds of students present at the time, and several were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation.

The government has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, while the Ministry of Education pledged to provide temporary learning spaces for the affected students and to review safety standards at schools nationwide. International agencies, including UNICEF, have expressed condolences and offered assistance for medical care and reconstruction. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety in the region, prompting calls for stricter building regulations and improved emergency preparedness in educational facilities.