Bangui, Central African Republic — A devastating explosion at Barthelemy Boganda High School on Wednesday interrupted a vital baccalaureate exam, leaving numerous students traumatized. The incident occurred during repairs on a faulty power transformer by technicians from Energie Centrafricaine (ENERCA). As power was being restored, the transformer detonated, resulting in widespread panic among the 5,311 candidates taking exams at the location.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos. “We were sitting for the exam when the blast went off. In an instant, everyone was scrambling to escape. Many of my classmates collapsed and couldn’t move,” said Rufin Pandama, a student who experienced the harrowing moment firsthand. Although the Ministry of National Education has yet to confirm the number of casualties, preliminary reports from hospitals in Bangui indicate at least ten fatalities, with several others suffering from serious injuries. The search for more information on the injured continues as emergency services remain active.
In response to this tragic event, the Ministry of National Education has promised a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and to hold those responsible accountable. The ministry indicated it would issue a follow-up statement to clarify how the examinations would proceed following such a significant disruption. This incident casts a shadow over the academic landscape, prompting calls for urgent infrastructure reforms to enhance safety measures in educational institutions across the country.
The blast has sparked discussions about the need for improved safety protocols during maintenance work. Experts emphasize that incidents of this nature highlight the fragility of public safety systems in the Central African Republic, where infrastructure is often outdated and poorly maintained.
As the nation comes to grips with this tragedy, parents, educators, and governmental bodies are united in their demand for better oversight and more robust safety standards. With the region’s educational framework already under strain, this incident raises urgent questions about the commitment to safeguarding students’ wellbeing.
Resilience is a hallmark of the Central African Republic, and while the road ahead may be filled with challenges, the community’s response will be closely watched as they navigate the aftermath of this calamity.