Burundi: Explosion at Military Camp in Bujumbura leaves dead, homes destroyed (Photos)

One day after powerful explosions rocked Bujumbura, the full scale of the disaster is beginning to emerge, with reports of deaths, damaged homes, unexploded ordnance and missing children following a fire at a military weapons depot.

The blasts, which occurred at Camp Base in the Musaga zone, sent shockwaves across the city, Burundi’s economic capital.

While the government has yet to release an official toll of casualties or damage, witnesses and local sources describe widespread destruction and panic throughout the night.

Residents told media outlets that ammunition stored at the camp exploded for hours, scattering debris across distances of more than five kilometres.

Entire neighbourhoods—including Kinanira, Gasekebuye, Kinindo and Musaga—suffered heavy damage, with homes partially destroyed, roofs blown off, and windows shattered by the force of the explosions.

According to reports citing military and police sources, dozens of people may have been killed, although authorities have not confirmed the figures.

Local officials in Mugere commune indicated that at least seven people died in their area alone, including two at Mpimba Central Prison, located near the military camp.

Eyewitnesses also reported fatalities in other parts of the city. In Gisandema, in Gihosha zone, a projectile struck a house, killing a domestic worker.

Another death was confirmed in Mutakura, in Cibitoke zone—more than seven kilometres from the blast site—highlighting the wide reach of the explosions.

Unexploded ordnance remains a serious concern. At least three unexploded devices were discovered in different parts of the city, including Rohero, Musaga and Gasekebuye.

Security forces later removed one device found in Rohero early Wednesday morning, but authorities have warned residents to remain cautious.

The chaos triggered by the explosions also led to a humanitarian situation, with an unknown number of children reported missing after families fled their homes in panic.

Parents have been urged to search for missing children at designated centres in Ruyaga and Buhonga zones, where local authorities are assisting reunification efforts.

Despite the scale of the disaster, many questions remain unanswered.

Officials have not clarified the exact cause of the fire at Camp Base, nor have they provided details on casualties among military personnel. 

Emergency teams continue to assess the damage as investigations proceed.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the storage of military explosives in densely populated areas and the risks posed to civilians.

It also leaves unresolved the issue of compensation for affected families, many of whom have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods.

As Bujumbura begins to recover, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for greater safety measures and transparency to prevent similar disasters in the future.

Photos