The Central African Republic has declared three days of national mourning following a deadly explosion and stampede at Barthélémy Boganda High School in the capital, Bangui, that killed at least 29 students and injured more than 250 others on Wednesday. The tragedy unfolded as more than 5,000 students had gathered for national higher-education entrance exams. According to survivors, panic erupted after a loud explosion believed to have originated from a nearby electrical transformer triggered a stampede inside the packed school compound.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that 16 girls died on the scene, while others—including two pregnant women and two boys—succumbed to injuries in hospital. At least 260 students remain hospitalized across various medical centers in Bangui. At the city’s Community Hospital, Director General Dr. Abel Assaye said 85 victims were received for emergency care, including cases of trauma and gynecological injuries. “We were overwhelmed. The scene was tragic,” he added.
Prime Minister Félix Moloua visited injured students and their families at the hospital on Thursday, pledging full government support for the victims and a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion. Grieving parents described the horror of learning their children had been caught in the disaster. “My daughter was critically injured,” said one father. “If she dies, my life will never be the same.”
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident, with early reports suggesting a faulty transformer may have triggered the blast. The government has vowed to hold those responsible accountable and to improve safety infrastructure in schools nationwide.
