Crowd gathered outside Barthelemy Boganda High School following a stampede.
Share this @internewscast.com

AT least 29 students have been killed and 250 injured after an explosion resulted in a stampede at a high school.

Students were in the middle of an exam on Wednesday when an electrical transformer exploded in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.

Crowd gathered outside Barthelemy Boganda High School following a stampede.
At least 29 students have been killed and 250 injuredCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
People gather outside a hospital in Bangui, Central African Republic, following an explosion at a school.
The incident occurred at Barthelemy Boganda High SchoolCredit: X / @MSF_USA
People loading an injured person into an ambulance.
An injured man is transported to an ambulanceCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

The tragic incident took place at Barthelemy Boganda High School, where more than 5,300 students were on their second day of sitting their national baccalaureate exams.

Unfortunately, the majority of the casualties, which included 16 female students, lost their lives on the spot due to a stampede triggered by the explosion, while others were later declared dead at the hospital, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.

The explosion occurred while technicians were attempting to repair a malfunctioning electrical transformer at the school, as reported by the Ministry of Education.

Alvin Yaligao, one of the students, recalled: “The building shook and we were all terrified.

“It was everyone man for himself.”

Survivors have also recalled hearing a loud explosion from the transformer midway into the examination, causing chaos to unfold.

Some of the victims died after jumping out of the building while others were killed in the stampede at the crowded entrance to the upper floors in an attempt to escape.

Many other students fainted amid the chaos and were rushed to the hospital, some of them transported on motorbikes.

Authorities believe panic from the blast triggered a chaotic stampede, causing most of the fatalities and injuries. 

Emergency responders arrived promptly and transported the injured to nearby hospitals.

At least 18 people killed in stampede at station as thousands push to board train on way to Indian religious festival

Many people in the area were angered by the tragic incident, accusing the government of negligence for not handling the problems with the electrical transformer.

Government officials and workers who arrived at the scene were pelted with different objects by furious residents.

President of the school’s parents’ association, Gdon Cyr Ngass, has called for an investigation into the tragedy, adding: “We deplore this incident which was caused by a lack of maintenance.”

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra has declared a period of national mourning in honour of the victims. 

Investigators are currently working to determine the precise cause of the explosion and whether any safety protocols were breached.

Aftermath of a transformer explosion at a school in Bangui, Central African Republic, showing aid workers and injured students.
Students were in the middle of an exam on Wednesday when an electrical transformer explodedCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
What charges did Sean 'Diddy' Combs face at his trial?

What were the legal accusations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in court?

The three-time Grammy Award winner pleaded not guilty to five felony charges,…
Underwater view of a great white shark with its mouth open.

Monitor Shark Activity: Stay Alert with Real-Time Great White Shark Sightings Before the Holiday Weekend

VACATIONERS have been warned to double-check the coasts with a newly released…
David Peterson bounces back to lead Mets in series win over Brewers

David Peterson Shines as Mets Secure Series Victory Against Brewers

A good start can do a lot. It can provide cover for…
Lisa Henderson, struck by lightning, in interview.

19-Year-Old Girl Hit by Lightning While in Bed – Common Device Use Increased Her Risk

A TEEN girl has revealed how she was struck by lightning while…
Israel fighting 'very tough' war in Gaza, retired British Army colonel says

Retired British Army Colonel Describes Gaza Conflict as Intensely Challenging for Israel

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) face significant scrutiny regarding their war efforts,…

Travis Decker’s ‘Campsite’ Photo Mystery: Suspected Murderer Father Remains Fugitive with $6M Spent on Manhunt

THE truth has come to light about eerie images of a campsite…
SEE IT: Small plane flips over in South Carolina backyard after pilot's deliberate maneuver

Watch This: Small Plane Flips in South Carolina Backyard Due to Pilot’s Intentional Move

Home surveillance footage captured the startling moment a single-engine Cessna 150 flipped…
US Post Office truck parked on a residential street.

USPS Workers Are Delivering a Common Household Item to Your Mailbox – Why Leaving It Could Be Safer

THERE may be a common household item sitting loose in your mailbox…
Kay Adams' first pitch at Cubs game wasn’t even close

Kay Adams’ First Pitch at Cubs Game Misses the Mark

FanDuel TV host Kay Adams said she wanted “accuracy” when she threw…
Four dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks near Indonesia's Bali, agency says

Tragic Ferry Accident Near Bali: Four Confirmed Dead, 30 Missing

Indonesian rescuers hurried to locate victims in choppy waters on Thursday after…
Top Russia Navy commander killed in region bordering Ukraine

Senior Russian Naval Leader Killed Near Ukrainian Border

A top Russian Navy commander was killed “during combat operations” in a…
North Korea lashes out after Trump DOJ exposes massive IT infiltration scheme

North Korea Reacts Angrily After Trump Administration Reveals Large-Scale IT Hacking Plot

North Korean representatives criticized the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) by describing…