Burundi Church Stampede Kills Eight

A catastrophic stampede following a massive evangelical gathering in Bujumbura killed at least eight worshippers and injured nine others on Sunday.

The tragedy unfolded late at night at the Kamenge Technical School as thousands of attendees simultaneously rushed to exit the venue after a sermon by popular Burundian preacher Chris Ndikumana.

Eyewitnesses reported that the sudden, overwhelming crush trapped and trampled victims in the darkness.

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The incident highlights a dangerous pattern across the region, where booming evangelical ministries routinely draw massive crowds that overwhelm local infrastructure.

Burundi (News Central TV) — Burundi church stampede kills eight. Credit: Reuters

Similar lapses in crowd control caused the deaths of 20 worshippers in Tanzania during a holy oil distribution in 2020 and claimed 29 lives in Liberia in 2022 when criminals triggered a panic among departing churchgoers.

Burundian authorities have launched investigations into the disaster, while the event organisers have yet to issue a public statement.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.