At least 24 people, most of them children, were killed after a fire spread from a residential house to nearby schools in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the latest local reports.

The blaze broke out in the Cimpunda neighborhood of Kadutu commune before rapidly engulfing nearby buildings, including the Ujamaa and Furans primary schools.

Dozens of students were caught in the fire, while several others were injured and taken to hospitals for treatment.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and authorities have launched an investigation.

Bukavu struggles with recurring fires

The latest tragedy comes amid a wave of devastating fires across Bukavu in recent weeks.

Local authorities say thousands of homes, along with schools, churches and businesses, have been destroyed by repeated fires since July, prompting calls for an independent investigation and greater humanitarian assistance for affected families.

Civil society groups have urged the government to strengthen fire prevention measures and provide emergency support to residents displaced by the disasters.(ILKHA)