At least 13 killed and dozens injured in Burundi military base explosion

Blast at Burundi’s Ammunition Depot Results in Civilian Casualties

At least 13 civilians were killed and 57 others injured in an explosion at a military base in Bujumbura, the economic capital of Burundi. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at the main ammunition depot of the Burundi National Defence Force (FDNB) in Musaga, a southern suburb of Bujumbura.

According to General Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the army, houses and private vehicles were damaged in various neighbourhoods. Military equipment and facilities were also destroyed, with fires burning and facilities reduced to ashes.

The explosion was caused by an electrical short circuit. The army did not confirm whether any soldiers were killed or injured, but reported that three wounded soldiers were among those affected.

A senior police officer present at the scene stated that efforts to extinguish the fire were hindered by a water shortage. Property destruction was extensive, with the base camp being reduced to ashes.

On Wednesday, authorities urged citizens to report unexploded munitions and warned against touching them due to the risk of injury or death. President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed sympathy for those affected in a social media message.

The incident occurred at a densely populated area adjacent to the Higher Institute for Military Cadres (ISCAM), where aspiring army officers are trained and housed.

Source: Al Jazeera