Burundi Ammo Depot Explosions Kill 13, Wound 57

Explosions rocked a military ammunition depot in the Musaga suburb of Bujumbura, Burundi's economic capital, late Tuesday, killing at least 13 civilians and wounding 57 others, including three soldiers, according to the army. The incident, triggered by a fire from an electrical short circuit, sent panic through the densely populated area and damaged homes, vehicles, and military facilities.

Army spokesperson General Gaspard Baratuza confirmed the casualties in a Wednesday statement, noting that the blasts originated at the main storage site of the Burundi National Defence Force. "Houses were damaged in various neighborhoods as well as private vehicles," Baratuza said. "Military equipment and facilities burned and were destroyed." He emphasized that the event was an accident, not an attack, and urged residents in nearby areas like Gasekebuye, Kanyosha, and Kinindo to remain calm and avoid the site.

The depot's location in a crowded southern suburb, adjacent to the Higher Institute for Military Cadres and the Mpimba prison, amplified the chaos. A source at the prison reported eight inmates killed and several injured, with the wounded transported to hospitals by the Red Cross....