In brief
Powerful explosions at an ammunition depot in Burundi's largest city, Bujumbura, have led to chaos and tragedy, claiming the lives of at least four individuals, with reports of extensive damage and casualties. Eyewitness accounts describe the terrifying scenes and the impactful blasts that went off due to an electrical fault, pushing debris up to 5 kilometers away. The government has yet to confirm the exact number of casualties as assessments are ongoing.
At least four people have been killed by a series of powerful explosions at an ammunitions depot in Burundi's largest city, Bujumbura, local residents have reported. The blasts erupted late on Tuesday at the facility located in the suburb of Musaga. An army spokesperson mentioned that the blasts were caused by an electrical fault.The explosions were so powerful that shrapnel and debris were propelled more than 5 km (three miles) away, resulting in significant destruction of several houses in nearby districts.While the authorities have not confirmed any casualty figures, family members and eyewitnesses indicated that at least four individuals lost their lives in separate incidents. Security sources reportedly informed the AFP news agency that the death toll could reach dozens.One woman shared with BBC Gahuza that a relative, detained at Mpimba Central Prison, perished after the explosion hit the facility. Moreover, numerous inmates at the nearby prison are reported to have sustained injuries.In the northeastern neighborhood of Gisandema, witnesses recounted that a bomb had destroyed a house, killing a domestic worker inside. As of now, authorities have refrained from commenting on the casualty figures, stating that they are still evaluating the damage's extent.The explosions cast plumes of smoke over the city, causing panic among the population of over a million. President Evariste Ndayishimiye extended condolences to the citizens and affirmed that the authorities are prepared to assist those affected.
