At least four people lost their lives when a school under construction collapsed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on August 10, 2023, according to local authorities and witnesses. The incident occurred in the Bagira district of Bukavu, a major city in the region. Among the victims were a prefect, the primary school director, an adviser, and a teacher.
Witnesses reported that masons were digging at the site when they noticed a problem and quickly fled. Shortly after, the entire structure crumbled, trapping the individuals under the rubble. Dieudonne Kalabarha, a painter working nearby, recounted the sequence of events. The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo is prone to seismic activity due to its proximity to fault lines, which can sometimes result in building collapses or volcanic eruptions. The most recent earthquake in the area occurred in 2021 in Goma, causing the deaths of several dozen people.
However, Typson Idumbo, spokesman for the government of South Kivu province, dismissed any suggestions of seismic activity being the cause of this collapse, stating that there was no earthquake recorded during that time. An investigation has been launched into the incident, with suspicions being directed towards the construction company. Mayor Patience Bengheya expressed concern about a septic tank being installed within the building, stressing the potential dangers if such an accident were to happen while children were present.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with construction projects in seismically active regions. The investigation will shed light on the underlying cause of the collapse, bring accountability to those responsible, and hopefully prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
It is crucial to prioritize the safety and structural integrity of buildings, particularly those housing educational institutions where the lives of students and faculty are at stake. Building codes and regulations must be rigorously enforced to ensure compliance and protect the welfare of all individuals who come into contact with such structures.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of these four individuals and demands justice for their untimely deaths. The authorities must act swiftly to hold those responsible accountable and take measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The collapse of the school under construction serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper planning, compliance with regulations, and thorough risk assessment in all construction projects. Ensuring the safety of individuals should always be the top priority, and all stakeholders must work together to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring again.
