At least 24 children were killed in a stampede as they tried to flee a fire that engulfed two schools in Bukavu, an eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo that has been held by M23 rebels since February.
Adults also died and the death toll could rise further in the densely populated Kadutu commune.
Survivors were taken to nearby hospitals, and footage shows children lying on hospital floors in pain.
The blaze destroyed about 300 houses, the cause of which remains unknown.
Rebel‑appointed authorities released a provisional death toll of 24 on Thursday evening, confirming earlier reports, but more deaths may yet be recorded.
Pictures on social media show young children motionless on the ground.
A witness quoted by Reuters said the fire was extinguished by afternoon but smoke was still rising from rubble and corrugated metal.
In response, Kinshasa’s government released a statement on X expressing deep sorrow over the violence and urged vigilance, but did not specify casualty numbers. The ministry ordered assessments to ensure learning continuity.
The tragedy follows a similar fire at a Kinshasa banquet hall that left residents dead in a stampede last weekend.
The government has now ordered strict safety measures and deployed teams nationwide to enforce standards at public gathering places.
