How 29 Students Died in a School — See Who’s Responsible

A deadly stampede at a high school in Central African Republic’s capital has left at least 29 students dead and 260 others injured, hospital sources confirmed on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui.

The school was serving as a central exam centre for more than 5,000 students from six different institutions.

According to a statement from the Education Ministry, the chaos began when a transformer in the main school building exploded shortly after the national utility company ENERCA restored electricity. The loud blast caused panic.

“The students thought the building was about to collapse,” one medical source told Reuters.

“Some jumped from the first floor in fear.”

Victims ranged in age from 18 to 22, according to the source.

Hospital workers described the situation as overwhelming.

“We were really overwhelmed. It was terrible. Dozens of victims were arriving,” one hospital staff member said.

While one hospital confirmed 29 fatalities, another medical source placed the toll slightly higher at 31.

However, official figures from the Education Ministry acknowledge “some fatalities” without confirming a number.

The Ministry said it would investigate the cause of the explosion.

It also promised that final examinations would resume once safety could be guaranteed.

Photos and video from the scene showed abandoned school bags, shoes, and exam papers scattered across hallways and stairwells.

The incident has shocked the nation, raising serious questions about infrastructure safety and emergency preparedness in public buildings, especially during high-stakes events like national exams.

Grieving parents gathered outside local hospitals on Wednesday night, seeking news of their children. Many were inconsolable.

The Central African Republic has long struggled with limited public infrastructure and emergency services, challenges that were laid bare in the aftermath of this disaster.

Government officials have yet to announce whether a national day of mourning will be declared.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook