Crush kills 29 pupils taking exams after blast in Central Africa
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Explosion panic in CAR exam hall leads to deadly stampede — national mourning declared.
Tragedy in Bangui: Exam Day Turns Deadly After Explosion
A Normal Exam Day Turns Into Chaos
What started as a hopeful day for nearly 6,000 high school students in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), ended in tragedy. On Wednesday, during the second day of the national baccalaureate exams, an explosion occurred near the exam center, triggering panic that led to a deadly stampede. According to the director of Bangui Community Hospital, 29 students lost their lives in the crush, and more than 280 others were injured.
Source of the Explosion Revealed
The explosion was traced to an electrical transformer located on the ground floor of Lycée Barthélémy Boganda, where students from five different schools had gathered for the exams. The transformer had recently been under repair, and the blast reportedly occurred when power was restored. Local radio station Ndeke Luka reported that the combination of a loud bang and smoke set off widespread fear among the students.
Nation Declares Mourning
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra responded quickly, declaring a national period of mourning for the victims. He also ensured that all injured students would receive free medical treatment. In his address, he expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt sympathies to the affected families.
Government Reactions and Response
Education Minister Aurelien-Simplice Kongbelet-Zingas announced an immediate suspension of all ongoing exams. In a statement, he said: “I offer our sincere condolences to the parents of the affected candidates and wish a speedy recovery to the injured candidates.” The government is also launching an investigation into the incident to prevent future tragedies.
Voices From Survivors
The human cost of the tragedy is deeply felt through the voices of the survivors. One young female student, speaking with the BBC, recalled, “I don’t even remember what happened. We were in the exam room, and when I heard the noise, I immediately fell into a daze.” She added that she has been in severe pain ever since, particularly in her pelvis.
First-Hand Horror Amid the Panic
Another student, whose face was bloodied during the ordeal, recounted his escape to Radio France Internationale (RFI). “The blast happened during our history and geography exam,” said Magloire. “Everyone panicked, but the door was small. As we tried to flee, people fell. We were trying to save our lives but met death instead.”
Background: A Nation Already Under Pressure
The Central African Republic is no stranger to instability. Political tension and security threats continue to weigh heavily on the nation. Armed groups continue to clash with government forces, which are backed by Russian mercenaries. The latest tragedy adds another layer of suffering to a country already battling numerous crises.
National Reflection and Grief
This disaster serves as a grim reminder of the fragile state of public infrastructure and crisis management in regions suffering from conflict and instability. For the grieving families and the nation as a whole, it is not just a loss of life but also a heartbreaking interruption of dreams and futures.
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