Military officials in Burundi report that loud explosions that shook the commercial capital of Bujumbura on Tuesday stemmed from an electrical malfunction at a weapons storage facility within a military installation.
The powerful blasts echoed throughout the city, creating massive smoke clouds visible across the skyline while frightened citizens rushed indoors for safety.
Social media users posted videos and photos capturing the dramatic explosions, showing thick smoke and flames in the distance, though Reuters was unable to confirm whether these images were authentic.
“A serious electrical accident at the (army) ammunition depot in Musaga is the cause of the explosions currently being heard in the economic capital, Bujumbura,” military spokesman Gaspard Baratuza told Reuters when asked about the incident.
Baratuza called on citizens to remain composed and stay away from the affected area, noting that emergency response crews were working to handle the crisis.
