Schoolchildren die in chaos as fire breaks out

 

TT

 

Published 20.32

 

School buildings in the town of Bukavu were quickly engulfed in flames. Photo: Janvier Barhahiga /AP/TT

At least 24 children have died in a school fire in Bukavu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The fire started in a building at a primary and middle school and spread rapidly to other buildings on Thursday, according to local official Moïse Lubala. Several people died amidst the chaos of the evacuation, while others perished after becoming trapped inside the classrooms.

The information regarding the number of victims comes from the M23 rebel group, which controls parts of the region amidst the internal fighting raging in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. M23, believed to be backed by Rwanda, captured Bukavu in the spring of 2025.

The death toll may rise, as reports from the scene indicated that rescue workers struggled to access the wooden buildings, which were quickly engulfed in flames. 

China: 25 dead in ship fire

 

Smoke billows from the fire-stricken ship in Qingdao in a still image from a video. Photo: Qingdaowolin via AP/TT

At least 25 people have died in a fire on a cargo ship in eastern China.

The fire at the port of Qingdao broke out on Thursday morning, local time, according to the state news agency Xinhua.

The 190-meter-long ship *Ocean Melody* sails under the Liberian flag and had docked at the port for maintenance. More than 40 people were on board, according to state-controlled CCTV.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is calling for accountability, Xinhua reports.