BUJUMBURA, Burundi — A devastating fire at a military weapons storage site in Musaga, Bujumbura, may have left more than 10 people dead and many others injured, according to security sources cited by international media.
The blaze reportedly broke out late on the night of March 31 at a military facility commonly known as “Base”, where weapons and ammunition were stored. The incident quickly escalated into a major security emergency after explosions were heard from inside the depot.
According to sources quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the fire may have triggered a chain reaction of ammunition and weapons detonations, causing multiple fatalities and widespread injuries. One source familiar with the situation said it remains difficult to establish an exact death toll, but confirmed that the number of victims is believed to be significant.
Another source involved in the emergency response reportedly stated that more than 10 people were killed, while warning that the toll could rise as authorities continue to assess the damage.
Explosions Reported After Fire Spread
Witness accounts and security reports suggest that the fire was followed by powerful explosions from the weapons stockpile, intensifying fears among nearby residents and emergency responders. The full scale of the destruction has not yet been officially disclosed.
Although unofficial reports have pointed to a high number of casualties, Burundian authorities have not yet released an official count of the dead or injured.
The Burundian military and the Ministry of Internal Security said the incident was caused by an electrical fault, though a more detailed investigation may be required to determine the full circumstances behind the disaster.
President Ndayishimiye Responds
In the aftermath of the explosion, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye issued a message of sympathy to the nation through X, expressing condolences to those affected and calling for calm.
He reassured citizens that state institutions were working to respond to the emergency and maintain national security, while also offering a message of faith and solidarity to the people of Burundi.
Growing Concern Over Safety and Transparency
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of military storage facilities located near populated areas and the potential consequences of inadequate infrastructure or emergency preparedness.
As families wait for confirmed information, pressure is likely to grow on authorities to provide transparency about the number of casualties, the extent of the injuries, and the exact cause of the fire.
For now, Burundi remains in mourning as questions continue to surround one of the most serious military-related incidents reported in recent months.
