Bangui – A tragic stampede at a high school in Bangui claimed the lives of at least 29 students and left over 260 others injured during a baccalaureate examination session on June 25, 2025. The incident occurred at Barthelemy Boganda High School, where approximately 6,000 students had gathered to take their national final exams.

According to multiple sources, panic ensued when an electrical transformer on the ground floor exploded shortly after power was restored. The blast, accompanied by a loud noise and smoke, led many students to fear the building was about to collapse. In the rush to escape, a deadly stampede unfolded. Several students were also injured after jumping from upper floors to flee the chaos.

Authorities confirmed that the majority of the victims were between 18 and 22 years old. At least 16 of the deceased were female. The wounded were rushed to various hospitals in Bangui, many transported by motorcycles due to the emergency situation. Medical staff are reportedly overwhelmed but continue to treat the injured, with some in critical condition.

President Faustin-Archange Touadéra declared a three-day national mourning period from June 27 to 29. He also announced that medical treatment for the injured would be provided at no cost. The Education Ministry has temporarily suspended all baccalaureate exams and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Education Minister Aurélien-Simplice Zingas visited the site and met with victims' families, assuring them of government support and a thorough probe into what caused the explosion. Meanwhile, angry parents and local residents accused authorities of negligence, citing poor maintenance of the school’s electrical infrastructure.

The national electricity company ENERCA, which restored power to the building shortly before the explosion, has not yet issued a formal statement. Investigators will focus on determining whether safety protocols were followed and whether the transformer had been properly maintained.

This is one of the deadliest school-related disasters in the country’s history. The tragedy has sparked nationwide grief and raised serious concerns over safety standards in public educational institutions.

Officials have promised to reschedule the exams in a safer and better-equipped environment to ensure students can complete their academic year without further incident.