At least 29 schoolchildren were killed and more than 250 injured in an explosion and ensuing stampede at a high school in the capital of the Central African Republic at Bangui, authorities said on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Barthelemy Boganda High School, where more than 5,300 students were sitting for the second day of their baccalaureat exams. According to the Ministry of National Education, the explosion took place as power was being restored to a malfunctioning electrical transformer on the school premises.
Officials said the blast triggered panic, leading to a stampede that caused many of the fatalities and injuries. Emergency services responded quickly, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and assess accountability. The government has declared a day of mourning and promised support to the families affected.
Most of the victims – including 16 girls – died at the scene after the explosion resulted in a stampede while others were confirmed dead at the hospital, the Ministry of Health said in a statement. At least 260 students were injured and being treated in various hospitals, the ministry said.