Explosion, Stampede Kill 29 Students, Injure 250+ in Bangui School

An explosion of an electrical transformer during the national baccalaureate exams at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui, Central African Republic, triggered a panic-induced stampede that killed at least 29 students and injured over 250 others. The blast occurred as power was being restored to the malfunctioning transformer, causing widespread chaos among nearly 6,000 students gathered from multiple schools. Many victims died either from the explosion's immediate effects, being crushed in the stampede, or after jumping from the building in an attempt to escape. The government declared three days of national mourning, with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra expressing deep sorrow and ordering free medical care for the injured. The tragedy has sparked anger among local residents who blame government negligence for inadequate maintenance and safety protocols. Authorities are investigating the causes of the explosion while the Ministry of Education suspended further exams in response to the disaster.