In a tragic event in the Central African Republic, 29 students lost their lives in a crush during their baccalaureate exams after a loud explosion near their school sent them into a panic. The blast, which occurred at an electricity transformer, was reported to have triggered fear among the 6,000 students taking their exams at Lycée Barthélémy Boganda in the capital, Bangui.
Abel Assaye, director of a local hospital, confirmed the casualties while revealing that over 280 individuals were injured and rushed to hospitals for treatment. In response to the catastrophe, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra announced a national mourning period and assured that the wounded would receive free medical care.
According to the education ministry, the explosion happened shortly after power was restored to the transformer, which had been undergoing maintenance. Students from multiple schools were gathered for their examinations when pandemonium erupted as they attempted to escape. Survivors described the chaos, with one student stating they couldn't recall the events due to shock, while another faced injuries after climbing out of a window.
Minister of Education Aurelien-Simplice Kongbelet-Zimgas expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and announced the suspension of further exams. The Central African Republic continues to experience instability, with government forces working to combat armed groups threatening the administration.
