In a tragic event during high school finals in Bangui, Central African Republic, 29 students lost their lives when a nearby explosion incited chaos among the thousands taking their exams. The blast, which reportedly occurred at an electricity transformer, led to panic as roughly 6,000 candidates attempted to flee the scene. Hospital officials confirmed that over 280 others were injured in the ensuing stampede.
According to Abel Assaye, the director of a local hospital, the explosion occurred shortly after power was restored to the transformer that had been under repair. The ministry of education noted that the incident took place during the baccalaureate exams at Lycée Barthélémy Boganda. In light of the tragedy, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has declared a national mourning period and has mandated free medical treatment for the injured.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences. One female pupil described her confusion and disorientation during the chaos, while another student, who escaped with severe injuries, addressed the frantic attempts to exit the exam room, emphasizing the overcrowded situation at the exits. The calamity underscores the ongoing security challenges the Central African Republic continues to face amidst political turmoil, with government forces clashing against various armed groups.
According to Abel Assaye, the director of a local hospital, the explosion occurred shortly after power was restored to the transformer that had been under repair. The ministry of education noted that the incident took place during the baccalaureate exams at Lycée Barthélémy Boganda. In light of the tragedy, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has declared a national mourning period and has mandated free medical treatment for the injured.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences. One female pupil described her confusion and disorientation during the chaos, while another student, who escaped with severe injuries, addressed the frantic attempts to exit the exam room, emphasizing the overcrowded situation at the exits. The calamity underscores the ongoing security challenges the Central African Republic continues to face amidst political turmoil, with government forces clashing against various armed groups.
