Thu Jun 26 20:43:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A tragic explosion and subsequent stampede at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui, Central African Republic, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, claimed the lives of at least 29 schoolchildren, including 16 girls, and injured over 250 others. The incident occurred when power was being restored to a malfunctioning electrical transformer. The explosion sparked panic among the estimated 5,000 students present for exams, leading to a deadly stampede. Survivors described a chaotic scene, with students jumping from buildings and collapsing in the crush. The incident has sparked outrage, with residents accusing the government of negligence in maintaining the transformer. An investigation has been called for.

**News Article:**

**Bangui Tragedy: School Explosion and Stampede Claim 29 Lives, Injure Hundreds**

**Bangui, Central African Republic – June 27, 2025:** A devastating explosion followed by a stampede at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui has left at least 29 schoolchildren dead and more than 250 injured. The tragedy occurred on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as power was being restored to a malfunctioning electrical transformer on school grounds, according to the Ministry of National Education.

The explosion, heard by thousands of students sitting for higher-education exams, triggered widespread panic. Survivors described a scene of terror, with students attempting to flee the building, resulting in a deadly stampede.

“The building shook and we were all terrified. It was everyone man for himself,” recounted Alvin Yaligao, a student present during the incident.

Tragically, many students died at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Authorities have confirmed that at least 16 of the deceased were female students. The injured are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals throughout the city.

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who accuse the government of negligence in maintaining the electrical infrastructure. Gédéon Cyr Ngaïssé, president of the school’s parents’ association, condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.

“We deplore this incident which was caused by a lack of maintenance,” Ngaïssé stated.

The Central African Republic government has yet to issue a formal statement beyond confirming the casualties and promising aid to the victims and their families. The incident is a significant blow to the nation’s already fragile education system.

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