29 killed in explosion, stampede at high school in Central African Republic

ISTANBUL

At least 29 students were killed and 260 injured after an explosion triggered a stampede at a high school in the Central African Republic, according to French broadcaster RFI.

A transformer owned by the national electricity company ENERCA exploded, triggering the stampede as more than 5,300 students were taking the baccalaureate exam Wednesday at Barthelemy Boganda High School.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera declared three days of national mourning.

He urged the nation to stay united during “this time of hardship” as an investigation works to determine the exact circumstances and who was responsible.

“The Republic stands with the grieving parents,” he said in a video on Facebook.