In a devastating incident in Bangui, Central African Republic, 29 students lost their lives in a crush triggered by an explosion while they were taking their baccalaureate exams. Local radio station Ndeke Luka reported that the explosion, which occurred near an electricity transformer, sent shockwaves through approximately 6,000 students at the Lycée Barthélémy Boganda.
The blast took place on the second day of high school finals, with Abel Assaye from the Bangui community hospital confirming that it was linked to a transformer that had just undergone repairs. Following the tragic event, the hospital’s director stated that over 280 individuals injured in the ensuing chaos would receive free medical treatment.
Students from five different schools had congregated at the examination site when the explosion rattled the area. Education Minister Aurelien-Simplice Kongbelet-Zimgas extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed hopes for the swift recovery of the injured. He also announced the suspension of remaining exams due to the incident.
A survivor, Magloire, recounted his harrowing experience to Radio France Internationale, noting that the blast occurred during the history and geography exam. Covered in blood after escaping through a window, he described the panic as students searched for safety, confronting a narrow exit that limited their ability to escape. “The students wanted to save their lives, and as they fled, they saw death because there were so many people and the door was really small. Not everyone could get out,” he said.
The Central African Republic continues to grapple with political turmoil and security threats, with government forces, aided by Russian mercenaries, working to combat armed groups that jeopardize President Touadéra’s administration.