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 to the BBC. The blasts erupted late on Tuesday at the facility, located in the suburb of Musaga, due to an electrical fault, as explained by an army spokesperson. Shrapnel and debris were propelled more than 5km (three miles), leading to the destruction of several houses in nearby areas.
While the authorities have yet to release official casualty figures, family members and eyewitness accounts suggest that at least four individuals lost their lives, with security sources indicating that dozens may have died in total. One eyewitness recounted the fate of a relative detained at Mpimba Central Prison who died following the blasts. Additionally, numerous inmates at the prison, located near the explosive site, reportedly sustained injuries.
In the northeastern neighborhood of Gisandema, witnesses described the destruction of a house and the death of a domestic worker due to the explosions. Local authorities are still assessing the damage and have refrained from commenting on the casualty count for the time being.
The explosions sent plumes of smoke into the air, causing panic among the metropolitan population exceeding one million residents. President Ndayishimiye took to social media to express his condolences, assuring the public that the authorities are mobilizing to assist affected citizens.
While the authorities have yet to release official casualty figures, family members and eyewitness accounts suggest that at least four individuals lost their lives, with security sources indicating that dozens may have died in total. One eyewitness recounted the fate of a relative detained at Mpimba Central Prison who died following the blasts. Additionally, numerous inmates at the prison, located near the explosive site, reportedly sustained injuries.
In the northeastern neighborhood of Gisandema, witnesses described the destruction of a house and the death of a domestic worker due to the explosions. Local authorities are still assessing the damage and have refrained from commenting on the casualty count for the time being.
The explosions sent plumes of smoke into the air, causing panic among the metropolitan population exceeding one million residents. President Ndayishimiye took to social media to express his condolences, assuring the public that the authorities are mobilizing to assist affected citizens.
