The fire, which was described as being of unknown origin, started near a school in the Bagira district on the northern outskirts of the city while students were attending classes.
Local leader Patrice Buduge said the blaze sparked panic among the pupils, who rushed to escape the area. Several students reportedly fell and were trampled, while others fainted or lost consciousness.
Health worker Christophe Zigashane said a neighbouring clinic received about 50 students, including several teachers, suffering from severe asphyxia.
“Among them, 10 were dead and four others died at the scene,” he said, putting the death toll at 14. All of the victims were reportedly under the age of 10.
Zigashane added that 27 people, including two teachers, were transferred to other hospitals in Bukavu in critical condition.
The fire also caused extensive damage to the surrounding area. Buduge said more than 500 homes had been destroyed and reported a provisional overall death toll of 27, although AFP said it could not independently verify those figures with other official sources.
Large columns of smoke remained visible around the site several hours after the blaze began, while residents searched through the remains of charred homes and damaged structures.
Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, is currently controlled by the M23 armed group, which has captured large parts of eastern DR Congo.
The city is located on the shores of Lake Kivu and is known for its densely built
