Deadly explosions at Burundi depot spark panic across capital

At least four people have been killed following a series of powerful explosions at an ammunition depot in Burundi’s largest city, Bujumbura, with reports suggesting the death toll could be significantly higher, according to BBC News Africa with AFP on April 1st.

The blasts occurred late on March 31st in the Musaga suburb, sending shockwaves across the city and causing widespread panic among residents.

According to a Burundian army spokesperson, the explosions were triggered by an electrical fault at the facility.

Authorities have yet to confirm official casualty figures, stating that assessments are still ongoing.

However, eyewitnesses and family members have reported at least four deaths, while security sources cited by AFP suggest that dozens may have been killed.

The force of the explosions caused extensive damage to surrounding areas, with debris and shrapnel reportedly travelling more than 5km.

Several homes in nearby districts were destroyed, and casualties have been reported among civilians.

In one incident, witnesses in the Gisandema neighbourhood said a house was flattened, killing a domestic worker inside.

The nearby Mpimba Central Prison was also affected, with reports indicating that a bomb struck the facility. One woman told local media that a detained relative had been killed, while numerous inmates were said to have been injured.

Residents described scenes of chaos as thick plumes of smoke rose above the city, home to more than one million people. The scale of the explosions triggered fear and confusion, as emergency services worked to respond to the unfolding situation.

President Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed his condolences in a message shared on X, assuring citizens that authorities were responding and offering support to those affected.

Investigations into the full extent of the damage and the exact number of casualties are ongoing.

Local authorities have urged residents to avoid the affected area while emergency teams continue search and rescue operations, warning that unexploded ordnance and structural damage may still pose a risk.

BBC News Africa with AFP, Maghrebi.org