A treatment facility handling Ebola cases in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo was attacked and set ablaze following tensions over the death of a suspected Ebola patient.

Reports indicate that relatives of the deceased stormed the Rwampara General Hospital and insisted on taking away the body despite resistance from health officials, leading to chaos within the facility.

Amid the unrest, six patients reportedly escaped from the centre. Health authorities said the escapees included three individuals confirmed to have Ebola and three others suspected of carrying the virus.

There were no immediate reports confirming deaths or injuries linked to the incident.

Security personnel, including police officers, were later deployed to the area to restore calm, while medical workers at the hospital were placed under military protection.

Health experts have repeatedly warned against direct contact with the bodies of Ebola victims, noting that the virus can still spread through infected body fluids after death.