Twenty-eight schoolchildren get killed in stampede sparked by explosion
(MENAFN) At least 29 students lost their lives and over 280 were injured in a stampede triggered by an explosion at a high school in the Central African Republic (CAR), officials have confirmed.
The incident took place on Wednesday at Barthelemy Boganda High School in the capital city, Bangui. The blast followed repair work on a faulty electrical transformer, according to the Ministry of National Education.
“This incident triggered panic and caused several serious injuries, unfortunately resulting in some loss of life,” the ministry stated.
The tragedy unfolded as approximately 5,311 students from six schools were gathered at the site to take their baccalaureate exams.
Local media reported that many of the injured were treated at the Russian medical center in Bangui, where Russian medical teams organized an emergency response and offered free care to victims.
Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera expressed his sorrow on social media, saying he mourns “the tragic loss of 29 young lives” with a “broken heart.”
“Over 280 injured. These were our children, full of dreams. The nation stands united in grief. May they rest in peace,” he wrote.
In response to the disaster, the government has declared three days of national mourning from Thursday through Saturday to honor those who died.
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