At least 13 civilians were killed and 57 people injured after explosions at a military munitions depot triggered a fire in Burundi’s economic capital, the army said Wednesday, as additional details from officials and witnesses pointed to an electrical fault as the likely cause.
In a press briefing dated April 1, the Burundi National Defence Force said the blasts were heard Tuesday around 7 p.m. and originated from a fire at a munitions warehouse belonging to its logistics brigade in the Musaga area.
“The explosions heard on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at around 7 p.m. … were caused by a fire that broke out at the munitions warehouse,” the army said.
The FDNB said the incident caused “significant material and human damage,” reporting that 13 civilians were killed and 57 people were injured, including 54 civilians and three military personnel.
Additional information from government indicates the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit inside the ammunition storage facility, triggering a chain of explosions.
Homes in several neighbourhoods and privately owned vehicles were damaged, while military equipment and installations were burned or destroyed, according to the statement.
Residents described widespread panic as explosions echoed across the city for hours, with some reporting projectiles landing in residential areas and forcing people to seek shelter.
Authorities moved quickly to reassure the public that the incident was accidental and not linked to any attack. “This is in no way an enemy attack,” army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Gaspard Baratuza said, urging residents in nearby neighbourhoods to remain calm.
The Burundi president Evariste Ndayishimiye and the military extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished a “speedy recovery” to those receiving treatment.
“Despite the losses suffered, Burundi remains standing with its defense capabilities to guarantee the peace and security of our dear nation,” the army said.
The explosions occurred in a densely populated area of Bujumbura, where urban expansion has brought residential neighborhoods close to military installations, increasing the risk to civilians when such incidents occur.
Authorities also urged residents to report any unexploded ordnance and avoid handling suspicious objects, warning that remnants of munitions could still pose a danger.
“The population is asked not to handle any unexploded devices,” the statement said.
By Wednesday, officials said the situation had stabilized, though some families were still searching for missing relatives and displaced residents, including children separated during the chaos, were being assisted by local authorities and community centers.
The FDNB said it remains committed to carrying out its duties “in accordance with the law.”
