Bukavu: Deadly Fire in Funu on Thursday, September 10, Several Students Among the Victims

Thursday, September 10, 2026. A major fire broke out on Thursday in the Funu neighborhood, in the Kadutu municipality of Bukavu, South Kivu, destroying several homes and leaving several people dead or injured, including students, according to initial reports from the scene.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. The flames reportedly spread rapidly through the densely populated area, destroying several houses as residents attempted to save their belongings and rescue people trapped by the blaze.

The fire also affected a school located near the scene. According to preliminary information, the school’s headmaster reportedly locked the students inside their classrooms in an attempt to protect them from the fire. However, the decision allegedly had tragic consequences when flames and smoke reached the school.

An initial death toll indicates that nine students have died, while several others are reportedly in critical condition. Two teachers are also among those seriously injured, according to information available at this stage.

The death toll remains provisional and could rise in the coming hours.

Health Facilities Overwhelmed

Several victims have been taken to health centers in and around the Funu neighborhood. These facilities are reportedly facing a significant influx of injured people.

More serious cases are being transferred to Bukavu General Referral Hospital, where medical teams are continuing to provide treatment.

The exact circumstances of the tragedy, including the cause of the fire and the conditions under which the students became trapped inside the school, have yet to be established.

Another Fire in a City Facing Repeated Blazes

The latest incident comes amid growing concern in Bukavu, where fires have become increasingly frequent in recent months.

Several parts of the city have already been affected by fires that have destroyed homes, businesses and, in some cases, schools. The succession of incidents has left numerous families homeless and renewed concerns over fire prevention and emergency response capacity in the city.

The Funu tragedy therefore adds to a long list of fires reported in Bukavu over the past several months.

Local authorities are expected to provide an official assessment of the death toll, clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the cause of the fire that has left several families mourning.

CongoHorizon.cd is closely monitoring developments.

cH Newsroom