Explosions rocked Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital, Tuesday night after a fire broke out at a military ammunition store. An army spokesperson attributed the blasts to an electrical short-circuit within the camp’s armory.
Residents near the military camp fled as explosions continued for several hours, with videos circulating on social media showing a large fire visible from miles away. Authorities reassured the public, stating the incident was not an attack despite circulating rumors.
The blasts resulted in four fatalities, according to resident reports. Emergency services responded to the scene, and officials urged calm amongst the population, particularly in the Gasekebuye, Kanyosha, and Kinindo areas. Electricity was temporarily cut off in the vicinity.
By Wednesday morning, calm was returning, with some children who had fled during the incident awaiting reunification with their families at the Buhonga Catholic Parish.