At least 26 children have died in a fire that swept through two primary schools in Bukavu, located in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities reported on Thursday. The blaze also injured 29 other pupils, with eight sustaining severe injuries.

Provincial officials initially estimated the death toll at over 15 but later confirmed the higher figure as the situation became clearer. The fire destroyed the two schools along with approximately 300 homes in a densely populated area of the city.

The buildings affected were reportedly constructed with a combination of corrugated iron and wood, materials that contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Images from the scene depicted extensive destruction, including completely burned huts.

The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Local residents described the area as tightly packed, which likely exacerbated the fire’s impact. Emergency services and local authorities continue to assess the full scale of the disaster and provide support to the victims.