At least 13 people have been killed and dozens more injured following a series of powerful explosions at an ammunition depot in Bujumbura, the army in Burundi has confirmed.
In its latest update, the military said 57 people — including three soldiers — were wounded. The blasts caused extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and military infrastructure in the surrounding area.
The explosions erupted late Tuesday at a facility in the Musaga suburb, reportedly triggered by an electrical fault. Debris and shrapnel were hurled over a radius of more than 5km, spreading destruction across several neighbourhoods.
The nearby Mpimba Central Prison was also affected, with reports of casualties and injuries among inmates after part of the facility was struck. Witnesses described scenes of panic as explosions continued for hours, sending plumes of smoke over the densely populated city.
Residents in affected areas recounted harrowing moments, with some fleeing their homes as windows shattered and debris rained down. Several homes were destroyed, including one in the Gisandema neighbourhood where a domestic worker was reportedly killed.
Authorities have urged calm and called on residents to report any unexploded ordnance that may still pose a danger.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed condolences to the victims and assured citizens that the government is responding to the crisis.
The incident has heightened concern in Musaga, a crowded district that hosts key military installations alongside civilian infrastructure, including prisons and residential areas.
