A devastating stampede at the Barthelemy Boganda Secondary School in Bangui has left at least 29 students dead and more than 260 injured, a tragedy reportedly sparked by an electrical explosion during baccalaureate exams on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
The incident unfolded when a power transformer near or within the school building malfunctioned and then exploded as power was being restored, causing a loud noise and smoke. This triggered widespread panic among the thousands of students, estimated to be around 5,000, who were taking their history and geography exams. Many frantically rushed towards narrow exits or even jumped from upper floors in a desperate attempt to escape.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that most of the victims, including 16 girls, died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries at overwhelmed local hospitals. Injured students were transported by any available means, including ambulances, pickup trucks, and motorbikes.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, who was attending a Gavi vaccine summit in Brussels at the time, has declared a three-day period of national mourning from June 27 to June 29. He also ordered that all injured students receive free medical treatment. Education Minister Aurélien-Simplice Zingas offered condolences and announced the suspension of further exams.
