According to Xinhua news agency, local media reported that the fire broke out in a residential area in Bukavu city on September 10 (local time) and burned down several houses before quickly spreading to 2 nearby elementary schools.
Rescue teams were deployed to the scene and controlled the fire, preventing the fire from continuing to spread to other residential areas.
Spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka of the M23 Movement - the force controlling the city of Bukavu - confirmed 24 victims killed including 19 female students and 5 male students.
The incident also injured at least 29 people, of which 21 are being actively treated.
A local official informed that at least 80 houses were burned down, affecting 96 households. 16 other houses were demolished to create firebreaks and limit the fire from spreading.
The Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship of the Democratic Republic of Congo said that the fire caused many casualties, including students, but has not released specific figures. The casualty figures are still temporary as information from various sources is being compiled and verified. The Ministry also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances and causes of the fire.
