At least 13 civilians were killed and 57 others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a military ammunition depot in Burundi economic capital Bujumbura authorities said Wednesday.
The blast occurred late Tuesday at a facility operated by the Burundi National Defence Force in the southern suburb of Musaga a densely populated area that borders residential neighbourhoods and military training grounds.
Army spokesperson General Gaspard Baratuza said the explosion was triggered by an electrical short circuit that ignited stored ammunition. The resulting fire caused widespread destruction damaging nearby homes vehicles and military infrastructure.
“Houses were damaged in various neighbourhoods as well as private vehicles. Military equipment and facilities burned and were destroyed” Baratuza said in a statement.
Officials confirmed that three soldiers were among the injured though no military fatalities were immediately reported.
Emergency response and safety concerns
Rescue and firefighting efforts were slowed by limited resources including a shortage of water according to a senior police officer who was at the scene. He described the situation as a massive inferno that reduced parts of the base to ashes.
By Wednesday afternoon smoke was still visible over the area highlighting the scale of the destruction and the challenges faced by emergency responders.
The ammunition depot is located near the Higher Institute for Military Cadres where military officers are trained raising additional concerns about safety in high risk zones.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed condolences to the victims and their families offering sympathy to all those who have been victims of the fire in a message shared on social media.
Authorities have warned residents to remain vigilant and report any unexploded ordnance. Be careful and DO NOT TOUCH officials said emphasizing the continued danger posed by scattered munitions.
Burundi already facing economic hardship and infrastructure challenges has struggled with emergency preparedness. According to World Bank data the country ranked as the world poorest by GDP per capita in 2023.