Tragic Explosion Triggers Deadly Crush Claiming Lives of 29 Students in Central Africa

In a heartbreaking incident in the Central African Republic (CAR), 29 students lost their lives in a deadly crush triggered by an explosion that occurred during a crucial examination. On Wednesday, as the students sat for their baccalaureate exams at Lycée Barthélémy Boganda in Bangui, an explosion at a nearby electricity transformer caused widespread panic among the approximately 6,000 students present. Hospital director Abel Assaye reported the troubling circumstances, stating that the explosion generated both noise and smoke, leading to chaos. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has responded by declaring a national mourning period and ensuring free medical treatment for the over 280 injured in the incident. This tragedy comes amidst ongoing political instability and insecurity in the region, where government forces, assisted by Russian mercenaries, are combatting various armed groups threatening the administration.

The CAR continues to grapple with oscillating levels of violence and unrest, exacerbated by its longstanding political tumult.