A series of powerful explosions at a military ammunition depot in Bujumbura has killed at least 13 civilians and injured dozens more, according to the army in Burundi. The blasts, which occurred late on Tuesday in the densely populated suburb of Musaga, caused widespread destruction and panic across the city.
In its latest update, the army confirmed that 57 people were wounded, including three soldiers, as debris and shrapnel tore through nearby homes, vehicles and infrastructure. The explosions were reportedly triggered by an electrical fault at the military facility, which stores ammunition and logistical equipment.
The impact of the blasts extended far beyond the immediate area. Witnesses said debris was hurled more than five kilometres away, damaging buildings and leaving residents scrambling for safety. Large plumes of smoke could be seen rising into the sky, while loud detonations echoed across the city, which is home to more than a million people.
The depot is located in a heavily populated part of Musaga, close to residential neighborhoods as well as key facilities, including a military base and the Mpimba Central Prison. The proximity of these sites intensified the scale of the disaster. Reports indicate that the prison was struck during the explosions, leaving several inmates injured. One woman told local media that a relative being held there had been killed after a blast hit the facility.
Eyewitness accounts paint a chaotic and terrifying scene as the explosions unfolded over several hours. One resident said the blasts began around early evening and continued intermittently until midnight, forcing families to flee their homes in fear. He described how shattered glass rained down during the explosions, injuring those attempting to escape.
Another witness recalled seeing people running in panic as the explosions intensified. He described a young woman being struck by debris and collapsing as she tried to flee, highlighting the sudden and violent nature of the incident.
Earlier reports from local sources and security officials had suggested a higher death toll, but the army has maintained that 13 fatalities have been confirmed so far. However, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the number could rise as more information becomes available and rescue efforts continue.
In addition to the human toll, the explosions caused extensive material damage. Houses in surrounding neighborhoods were destroyed or severely damaged, and private vehicles were left mangled by the force of the blasts. Military infrastructure and equipment stored at the site were also heavily impacted.
The Burundian army has urged residents to remain calm while warning of the danger posed by unexploded ordnance scattered across the affected areas. Authorities have called on the public to report any suspicious objects to prevent further casualties. Emergency services and security personnel have been deployed to secure the area and assist the injured.
Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, acknowledging the scale of the tragedy. In a public message, he reassured citizens that the government was taking steps to respond to the crisis and support those affected.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of military installations located near civilian populations. The Musaga depot’s position within a busy urban area has prompted questions about whether adequate precautions were in place to prevent such a disaster.
Residents have called for reassurance from authorities, with many expressing fear about returning to their homes amid uncertainty over whether the explosions have fully ceased. Some families have temporarily relocated, seeking shelter away from the affected zone.
As investigations continue into the exact cause of the blasts, the focus remains on recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of those living nearby. The tragedy underscores the risks posed by storing large quantities of explosives in populated areas and highlights the need for stricter safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
