Fire and explosions cause panic near military camp in Burundi

BUJUMBURA, Burundi — Residents of an area near a military camp in Burundi fled on Tuesday night after explosions were heard coming from the camp, due to what the army spokesperson later said was a fire caused an electrical fault at the armory.

A fire caused by a short circuit in the ammunition storage room led to the detonation of explosives at the military camp located in Musaga, in the suburbs of the commercial hub of Bujumbura, said army spokesperson Gaspard Baratuza.

The huge fire was visible from miles away, and residents could be seen fleeing from areas near the camp in videos shared on social media.

“We would like to reassure the public that this is in no way an enemy attack, despite some rumors that have begun to circulate,” Baratuza said.

Electricity within the camp and neighboring areas was cut off as civilians moved away from the camp.

“We ask residents of the Gasekebuye, Kanyosha, Kinindo areas and surrounding neighborhoods to remain calm and not give in to panic,” Baratuza said.

By Tuesday morning, calm was returning to the area, and the local government administrator said some children who fled during the incident were at the Buhonga Catholic Parish waiting to be reunited with their families.