Overview

• A malfunctioning transformer exploded at the school’s main building as technicians restored power, triggering panic, a stampede and some students leaping from upper floors.
• More than 5,300 candidates from six local schools were sitting baccalaureate exams at the time, and at least 260 injured students were rushed to area hospitals.
• President Faustin-Archange Touadéra declared three days of national mourning and mandated free medical treatment for all affected students.
• The Education Ministry suspended the exam session indefinitely and has launched a probe into infrastructure failures and the incident’s circumstances.
• Local parents and opposition parties blame government negligence and inadequate maintenance by national utility ENERCA for the tragedy.