At least 24 children were killed when panic triggered a stampede after a fire broke out at two schools in Bukavu, a rebel-held city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Adults are also believed to have died, while authorities fear the toll may increase in the densely populated Kadutu commune.
The tragedy struck just days after a separate stampede at a wedding venue in Kinshasa claimed several lives. In response, the government ordered stronger safety measures at public gathering places.
