President Évariste Ndayishimiye has clarified the cause of the recent Bujumbura ammunition depot fire. He stated that the fire at the Camp Base military facility did not start from an electrical fault. This statement directly contradicts earlier official reports.
The fire broke out on the evening of March 31 and triggered several massive explosions. According to government figures, the blasts destroyed nearby homes and local infrastructure. The tragedy killed 13 people and injured 57 others. Three soldiers were among those injured in the blasts.
In an interview with Yaga Burundi, President Ndayishimiye addressed common public assumptions. He noted that many people quickly blamed an electrical fire. People often associate such faults with major blazes in the city. However, the President emphasized that this theory is impossible in this case.
He explained that these storage sites simply do not have electricity. His own military experience supports this claim. He previously served as an officer responsible for military equipment and visits Camp Base frequently.
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Military Safety Rules During the Bujumbura Ammunition Depot Fire
The President highlighted specific safety standards during his discussion. He noted that military rules strictly prohibit electricity in such facilities to prevent accidental ignitions. He offered a clear explanation of the standards used in these depots. Regarding the safety measures, President Ndayishimiye stated:
“First of all, it is strictly prohibited to have electricity in such facilities. Fire accidents are not unique to Burundi; there is no country that is immune to them. When it hasn’t happened to you, you simply thank God.”
His professional background provides a unique perspective on the Bujumbura ammunition depot fire. As a former equipment officer, he understands the technical layout of Camp Base. He believes the initial reports were too hasty.
By citing these protocols, he moved the focus away from maintenance rumors. He wants the public to understand the actual conditions of military storage. This clarification helps correct the narrative surrounding the March 31 tragedy.
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Investigating the Technical Triggers of the Blast
President Ndayishimiye also discussed other potential factors that lead to such disasters. He noted that various types of munitions can generate intense heat when stored together. This heat can eventually ignite the materials and cause explosions. This chemical reaction might explain the tragedy better than a simple electrical spark.
Burundi is now conducting a careful and gradual investigation into the Bujumbura ammunition depot fire. This process involves questioning all personnel stationed at Camp Base during the explosions. Authorities want to gather as much information as possible from the staff.
This human-centered approach is the first stage of the inquiry. The President noted that the process takes time to ensure accuracy. If the interviews do not yield enough data, the government will use scientific analysis. They aim to find the exact trigger for the blasts to provide clear answers to the families of the victims.
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