Burundi’s army has confirmed that 13 civilians were killed and 57 others injured after a series of explosions ripped through a military arsenal in Bujumbura earlier this week. Three soldiers were among the wounded, though the military has not reported any fatalities among its personnel.
The blasts occurred late Tuesday night at the main ammunition depot of the Burundi National Defence Force, located in the Musaga neighborhood, a densely populated southern suburb of the city. The facility sits adjacent to the Higher Institute for Military Cadres, where army cadets live and train, raising concerns about safety protocols for storing large quantities of explosives near residential areas.
Local residents described fleeing their homes as explosions shook the neighborhood and sent debris flying. Authorities warned the public to remain vigilant and to report any unexploded ordnance rather than attempting to handle it themselves.
The army and emergency services are currently assessing the extent of the damage, reinforcing security around the affected area, and reviewing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragedy highlights the risks posed by storing military munitions close to civilian populations and has renewed calls for stricter safety and zoning regulations in Bujumbura.
