At least 29 students have died and over 280 others were injured in a deadly crush triggered by panic following an explosion near an examination centre in the Central African Republic (CAR), according to hospital officials.
The incident took place on Wednesday during the second day of the national baccalaureate examinations. Nearly 6,000 students were gathered at Lycée Barthélémy Boganda in the capital, Bangui, when the explosion occurred at a nearby electricity transformer.
Cause of Panic: Transformer Blast and Smoke
Hospital director Abel Assaye of Bangui’s community hospital told media soures that the explosion led to widespread alarm among students.
Local radio station Ndeke Luka also reported how it happened. “The noise of the explosion, combined with smoke,” prompted students to flee in panic, resulting in a stampede that left dozens dead and hundreds injured.
Government Response: National Mourning and Free Medical Care
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has declared a period of national mourning to honour the victims. He has also directed hospitals to provide free treatment to the injured.
Students from five different schools across Bangui had convened at the Lycée Barthélémy Boganda to sit for their final secondary school exams, known as the baccalaureate.
Ongoing Instability in the Central African Republic
Political instability and insecurity have long affected the Central African Republic. Government forces continue to confront armed groups that pose a threat to the administration of President Touadéra.
The tragedy highlights the broader challenges facing the nation’s education and public safety systems amid ongoing conflict.
