June 26, 2025: At least 29 schoolchildren were killed and more than 250 others injured following a tragic explosion and ensuing stampede at Barthelemy Boganda High School in the capital city of Bangui, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The explosion occurred on Wednesday when power was being restored to a malfunctioning electrical transformer within the school premises, according to the Ministry of National Education. The incident triggered widespread panic among students, resulting in a deadly stampede.
Health authorities reported that 16 of the deceased were girls, with most victims dying at the scene. Several others succumbed to injuries after being taken to nearby hospitals. The Ministry of Health stated that at least 260 individuals are currently receiving treatment across multiple medical facilities.
An estimated 5,000 students were present on campus for higher-education exams when the explosion took place, further intensifying the chaos and contributing to the high number of casualties.
The government has yet to confirm the exact cause of the transformer malfunction and whether safety protocols were in place. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have promised accountability.
This tragic event has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting calls for urgent safety overhauls in public infrastructure, especially within educational institutions.