Families gathered around rows of coffins, some carrying photographs of the victims, while hundreds attended the service in the eastern city. UNICEF said at least 26 children died and 25 others were injured.
The fire broke out at around 9am local time (07:00 GMT) on Thursday, 11 September, while pupils were attending lessons at Ujamaa Primary School in the Chimpunda neighbourhood of Bukavu’s densely populated Kadutu commune. As the flames spread through the wooden building, some children jumped from upper floors while others rushed towards the exits, triggering a stampede in which pupils were trampled.
