Powerful explosions that rocked southern parts of the Burundian economic capital Bujumbura on Tuesday evening have left at least 13 people dead and dozens injured, according to updated information released by military officials late Wednesday.
The blasts, which sent residents fleeing in panic as thick smoke billowed across parts of the city, were initially linked to a fire at a military camp. Witnesses said they heard multiple explosions in quick succession, sparking chaos as people ran for safety.
In a statement issued shortly after the blasts, Burundi’s Ministry of Interior urged calm, saying the incident was caused by a fire at a military installation.
In a briefing the following day, army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza confirmed that 13 civilians were killed and 57 people injured, including 54 civilians and three military personnel.
“The explosions caused significant damage, both human and material,” Baratuza said late Wednesday, describing the scale of the destruction.
Authorities reported that several neighborhoods were affected, with homes damaged, vehicles burned, and military equipment and facilities either destroyed or severely impacted.
Despite the losses, the Burundian National Defense Forces sought to reassure the public that the situation remains under control.
“The defense forces reassure the population. Despite the losses suffered, the country remains capable of ensuring peace and security,” Baratuza said. He also extended condolences to bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to those receiving treatment in hospitals.
Residents described scenes of fear and confusion in the immediate aftermath. One commuter recounted the moment the explosions began:
“I had just left work in downtown Bujumbura. We were on a bus when we heard explosions. Everyone ran in different directions without even knowing where to go. As we speak, I am hiding in Kinanira.”
During a press conference, Baratuza dismissed speculation that the incident was the result of an external attack or internal sabotage, maintaining that it was accidental and linked to the fire previously reported.
He also rejected rumors suggesting the blasts were connected to military tensions or resistance to deployment abroad, calling such claims unfounded and misleading.
Authorities have warned residents not to touch any unexploded ordnance and urged anyone who comes across suspicious objects to report them immediately to security forces, citing the risk of further explosions.
The incident has renewed concerns about the proximity of civilian neighborhoods to military installations. Officials acknowledged that urban expansion has brought residential areas increasingly close to long-established military camps, heightening safety risks.
While a full assessment of the damage is still underway, authorities have yet to outline compensation measures for affected residents, though they encouraged the use of insurance where possible.
Investigations into the exact cause of the fire and the resulting explosions are ongoing.
Earlier reports by international media had suggested that the death toll could be higher, with some victims reportedly linked to areas near Mpimba Central Prison, close to where the explosions caused the most damage. There are also growing concerns about missing children, as families were separated while fleeing the blasts.
In a message posted late Wednesday on X, President Evariste Ndayishimiye offered condolences and reassurance:
“I would like to offer words of comfort to the families who lost their loved ones, and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident that occurred at the military camp in Musaga zone. I commend the unity shown by Burundians and assure them that no one will be left behind, and that the country still has the capacity to defend itself.”
This story has been updated to include the latest developments.
