An explosion at a military ammunition depot in Musaga, Bujumbura, killed 13 civilians and injured 57 people on Tuesday night. The blasts, triggered by an electrical fault, propelled shrapnel more than 5km and destroyed houses in nearby districts. This incident disrupted daily life for over a million residents in Burundi's largest city, highlighting risks from stored munitions in populated areas.
Army spokesperson General Gaspard Baratuza confirmed 13 civilians died and 57 others were wounded, with three soldiers among the injured.
Several houses and private vehicles burned in the inferno, as reported by a senior police officer at the site. The Higher Institute for Military Cadres, where army officers train, adjoined the depot and sustained major destruction.
One man informed the BBC that blasts lasted from 18:15 local time until midnight, forcing his family to flee as glass shattered around them and wounded his foot. Another witness said a young woman fell nearby after a bomb struck, recounting the moment to Reuters as she ran with a group.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye shared condolences on social media, promising help for victims and urging calm. Authorities warned citizens to report unexploded munitions by phone, emphasizing the need to avoid touching them. Firefighting efforts slowed due to a water shortage, as noted by the police officer, leaving smoke visible into Wednesday afternoon.
An explosion at a military ammunition depot in Musaga, Bujumbura, killed 13 civilians and injured 57 people on Tuesday night. The blasts, triggered by an electrical fault, propelled shrapnel more than 5km and destroyed houses in nearby districts. This incident disrupted daily life for over a million residents in Burundi's largest city, highlighting risks from stored munitions in populated areas.
Army spokesperson General Gaspard Baratuza confirmed 13 civilians died and 57 others were wounded, with three soldiers among the injured. Witnesses told the BBC that at least four deaths occurred, including a domestic worker in the Gisandema neighborhood whose house was hit. The event reduced Burundi's military capacity by affecting equipment and facilities at the depot next to the Higher Institute for Military Cadres.
Several houses and private vehicles burned in the inferno, as reported by a senior police officer at the site. The Higher Institute for Military Cadres, where army officers train, adjoined the depot and sustained major destruction. Inmates at nearby Mpimba Central Prison faced injuries from bomb impacts, with one woman telling BBC Gahuza that a relative died there during the chaos.
One man informed the BBC that blasts lasted from 18:15 local time until midnight, forcing his family to flee as glass shattered around them and wounded his foot. Another witness said a young woman fell nearby after a bomb struck, recounting the moment to Reuters as she ran with a group. Residents in Musaga reported two specific deaths to Reuters, adding to the fear in the neighborhood.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye shared condolences on social media, promising help for victims and urging calm. Authorities warned citizens to report unexploded munitions by phone, emphasizing the need to avoid touching them. Firefighting efforts slowed due to a water shortage, as noted by the police officer, leaving smoke visible into Wednesday afternoon.
Highlighted text was flagged by the council. Tap to see feedback.
The sources also report that family members and eyewitnesses indicated at least four deaths, while security sources cited by AFP mentioned dozens of fatalities, highlighting discrepancies in casualty figures.