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Tragedy struck in the Central African Republic as twenty-nine students were killed in a stampede following an explosion nearby, according to a hospital director who spoke to the BBC. The incident occurred as students were sitting their school exams.
Abel Assaye of the Bangui community hospital stated that the blast, which took place on Wednesday – the second day of high-school finals – originated from an electricity transformer.
Local radio station Ndeke Luka reported that “the noise of the explosion, combined with smoke” triggered widespread panic among the approximately 6,000 students taking the baccalaureate exam at a school in Bangui, the nation’s capital.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has declared a period of national mourning in response to the devastating event.
President Touadéra has also directed that the over 280 individuals injured in the ensuing crush receive complimentary medical treatment in hospitals.
Students from five different schools within the capital had convened at the Lycée Barthélémy Boganda to participate in the baccalaureate examination.
The Ministry of Education has indicated that the explosion transpired after power was restored to an electricity transformer, which was situated on the ground floor of the main building and had been undergoing repairs.
“I extend our deepest condolences to the parents of the affected candidates and wish a swift recovery to those injured,” stated Education Minister Aurelien-Simplice Kongbelet-Zimgas in an official statement.
The Education Minister also announced the suspension of all further examinations.
Radio France Internationale (RFI) interviewed a survivor who recounted the harrowing experience, his face stained with blood after escaping through a window.
The survivor, identified as Magloire, explained that the explosion occurred during the history and geography exam.
“The students were trying to save their lives, but in their flight, they encountered death because of the sheer number of people and the limited size of the exit. Not everyone could escape,” he told RFI.
The Central African Republic continues to grapple with political instability and significant security challenges.
Government forces, supported by Russian mercenaries, are currently engaged in conflict with armed groups seeking to overthrow President Touadéra’s administration.
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