The Burundi National Defence Force has confirmed that 13 civilians were killed following a series of explosions triggered by a fire at a military arsenal in Bujumbura earlier this week.
According to army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza, at least 57 people were injured, including three soldiers, as the blasts ripped through the area after the initial fire broke out at the weapons storage facility.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over munition storage safety and urban risk exposure, particularly as the arsenal is located near civilian-populated areas. Witnesses reported multiple explosions, suggesting that stored ammunition continued detonating after the fire spread.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the fire, and investigations are ongoing. However, the scale of casualties has intensified scrutiny over safety protocols at military installations, especially in densely populated zones.
While officials have moved to contain the situation and assist the injured, the tragedy underscores a broader issue across parts of the region—where aging or poorly secured military stockpiles can pose significant risks to surrounding communities.
