More than 10 people are feared dead following a fire that broke out at a military weapons depot in Musaga, a suburb of Bujumbura, according to reports from security sources in Burundi.
The information was reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing credible sources within Burundi’s security institutions. One source indicated that it remains difficult to determine the exact number of casualties, but confirmed that more than 10 people have died, with many others injured.
Another source involved in firefighting operations also said that fatalities had exceeded 10, warning that the number could rise as more details emerge.
The casualties are believed to have resulted from a series of powerful explosions triggered by weapons stored at the facility after the fire broke out.
As of now, Burundian authorities have not released official figures regarding the number of deaths or injuries.
The incident occurred on the night of March 31 at a military base commonly referred to as Base, located in the Musaga area of Bujumbura. The Burundian military and the Ministry of Public Security attributed the fire to an electrical fault.
In a message shared on social media, President Évariste Ndayishimiye expressed condolences to those affected and called for calm.
He said he sympathized with those affected by the fire and reassured citizens that state institutions are doing everything possible to respond and maintain security, adding a prayer for God to protect Burundi.
The explosions caused panic among residents, with reports of injuries and damage to homes in surrounding neighborhoods. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and the exact cause of the incident.
