Panic Averted as Fire Causes Explosions in Burundi Military Camp

Residents near a Burundi military camp fled after explosions caused by an accidental fire in the camp's armory. The army confirmed the incident was due to an electrical short circuit, not an attack. Authorities urged calm, and by morning, normalcy was returning, with some displaced children taken to a local parish.

A wave of panic swept through a suburb in Burundi as residents fled after a series of explosions were heard coming from a nearby military camp. The dangerous situation unfolded on Tuesday when a fire, blamed on an electrical fault, ignited at the armory, causing ammunition to detonate. Gaspard Baratuza, the army spokesperson, swiftly clarified that the incident at Musaga, near Bujumbura's commercial hub, was not a result of hostile actions but an electrical short circuit.

Videos circulating on social media showed residents evacuating the area as a massive blaze lit up the night sky. Precautionary electricity cuts were implemented, enveloping parts of the camp and surrounding neighborhoods in darkness. Meanwhile, rumors of an attack started spreading, prompting Baratuza to reassure the public of their safety and urge them to avoid panic.

By Wednesday morning, the situation had calmed, with local authorities working to reunite children who had been separated from their families during the chaos. At the Buhonga Catholic Parish, several children were discovered awaiting reconnection with their parents, marking a step toward resuming normal life in the impacted area.

(With inputs from agencies.)