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At least 13 dead after explosions rock Bujumbura arms depot
Burundi's military confirmed Wednesday that a series of explosions at an ammunition storage facility in the capital Bujumbura killed at least 13 people and injured 57 others, including three soldiers.
Timeline and cause
The blasts began around 18:15 local time (16:15 GMT) Tuesday in Musaga, a densely populated suburb, and continued until midnight. An army spokesperson attributed the explosions to an electrical fault at the depot.
Debris and shrapnel were propelled over five kilometers, damaging homes, vehicles, and military infrastructure.
Impact on civilians and infrastructure
Witnesses reported widespread destruction in surrounding neighborhoods. In Gisandema, a northeastern district, a domestic worker died after a bomb struck a house. Nearby Mpimba Central Prison, which sits adjacent to the depot, also sustained damage. A detainee and several inmates were among the casualties.
"Glass fell on us and I even got wounded under my foot," a resident who fled his home told the BBC.
Another witness described seeing a young woman killed by shrapnel while running for safety. "She was in front of me... I saw her falling," the witness said.
Military and government response
The army expressed condolences to affected families and urged residents to report any unexploded ordnance. President Evariste Ndayishimiye posted on X (formerly Twitter), offering condolences and assuring Burundians that authorities were "here to help."
Residents, however, called for clearer communication. "We would like officials to reassure us that it is over so we can reorganize and get back to normal life," one man told the BBC.
Broader context
The Musaga depot, located in a heavily populated area, houses army logistics and is adjacent to another military base. The explosions sent plumes of smoke over Bujumbura, a city of over one million people, sparking panic as residents fled their homes.
Initial reports from eyewitnesses and security sources had suggested higher death tolls, with some accounts citing dozens of fatalities. The military's latest update confirmed 13 deaths but warned the number could rise as assessments continue.
