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A devastating ammunition explosion at a military base in Bujumbura, Burundi, has left 13 people dead and 57 others injured.
The incident, which occurred late Tuesday night, was triggered by an electrical short circuit within a munitions depot.
Army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza confirmed during a Wednesday press conference that the resulting blasts caused extensive destruction to residential buildings, military infrastructure, and vehicles throughout the commercial capital.
The explosions lasted for approximately six hours, sending projectiles flying across nearby neighbourhoods and forcing terrified residents to take cover.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as plumes of smoke filled the sky and shrapnel landed at random.
One resident recounted the horror of seeing a young woman fatally struck by a projectile while attempting to flee with a group in the Musaga district, while another fatality was reported near a church in the Gasekebuye area following a prayer meeting.
Military officials are currently assessing the full scale of the equipment loss and property damage.
While the immediate danger has subsided, the emotional and physical toll on the community remains high as families begin to bury the victims of the accidental tragedy.
The government has not yet announced a formal period of mourning, but the scale of the civilian casualties has sparked significant concern regarding the safety of high-density housing located near military storage facilities.
