Dozens of people have been killed and many more injured after a series of powerful explosions tore through Bujumbura late Tuesday night, following a fire at a military ammunition depot in the Musaga district. Authorities say the blasts originated from the main arsenal, where an “electrical accident” reportedly sparked a fire that rapidly spread through stored munitions. The resulting chain of explosions sent shockwaves across the city, damaging homes and triggering widespread panic. Residents described chaotic scenes as projectiles and debris rained down on nearby neighborhoods, including Nyakabiga and other densely populated areas. Many families were forced to take cover inside their homes or flee into the streets as explosions continued for hours.
One resident recounted how a projectile pierced her roof and struck a wall just moments after she had left the spot, narrowly avoiding injury. Witnesses said the intensity of the blasts caused windows to shatter and structures to shake several kilometers away. The Musaga arsenal is located in a heavily built-up zone, close to key facilities including the Higher Institute for Military Cadres (ISCAM), Muha military camp, major army logistics depots, and the central Mpimba prison raising concerns about the scale of the damage and the risk to civilians. Emergency services were deployed overnight to contain the fire, assist the wounded, and assess destruction, though officials have yet to release a full casualty count or detailed damage assessment. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of military installations situated near civilian populations, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas.
