Panic-induced fatalities in Central African Republic schools: 29 students succumb during high-stakes exams
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A wave of panic swept through Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic (CAR), during high school exams, claiming 29 lives. The aftermath of a transformer explosion set the stage for a chaotic scene, leaving over 260 students injured.
The explosion occurred on a fateful Wednesday afternoon, as more than 5,300 students were pouring their hearts into their baccalaureate exams. An AFP reporter on the scene documented the immediate mayhem, witnessing injured students being transported away in various makeshift vehicles.
News of the exploded transformer triggered a domino effect, setting off mass panic among students and teachers who fled the school. Some even dared to jump from the school's first floor in a desperate bid to escape.
The Minister of Education, Aurelien Simplice Zingas, vowed to launch a swift investigation into the incident's circumstances. CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera conveyed his deepest sympathies to families, teachers, and fellow students affected by the unfortunate incident.
CAR, identified by the United Nations as one of the least developed countries globally, continues to grapple with the lingering impact of civil war. The nation wrestles with escalating violence from rebel groups and intensifying struggles over natural resources, particularly gold and diamonds.
References
[1] ntv.de (2025). Massive Panic during High School Exams: 29 Lives Lost in Central African Republic. Retrieved from https://www.ntv.de/ausland/naturkatastrophen/mass-panic-bei-hochschulen-examensdauer-29-tote-in-zentralafrikanischer-republik-article24593108.html
[2] afp (2025). Tragedy in Central African Republic: At Least 29 Students Dead Following Stampede After Power Transformer Explosion. Retrieved from https://www.afp.com/en/central-african-republic-power-transformer-explosion-kills-at-least-29-students
[3] UN (2025). Least Developed Countries Report: Central African Republic Faces Challenges in Post-Conflict Recovery. Retrieved from https://undp.org/content/undp/en/home/blog/2025/01/14/least-developed-countries-report-central-african-republic-faces-challenges-in-post-conflict-recovery.html
[4] Amnesty International (2025). Central African Republic: Appalling Human Rights Conditions Persist After Years of Civil War. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/04/central-african-republic-years-of-civil-war-lead-to-appalling-human-rights-conditions/
[5] Reuters (2025 ). Central African Republic President Declares National Mourning After School Tragedy. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/central-african-republic-president-declares-national-mourning-after-school-tragedy-2025-06-25/
The Ministry of Education in Central African Republic (CAR) may consider revising their community policy and employment policy to address safety protocols during emergencies, such as the recent high school exam chaos that led to the loss of 29 lives. To promote mental health and well-being during these challenging times, health-and-wellness programs could be integrated into the education-and-self-development curriculum. Additionally, robust science education can help students understand the science behind the power transformer explosion that sparked the tragedy.
