The explosions erupted late on Tuesday at the facility in the suburb of Musaga due to an electrical fault, according to an army spokesperson. Shrapnel and debris were propelled more than 5km, and several houses in nearby districts were destroyed by the force of the explosions. Conflicting casualty reports have emerged, with the authorities not yet providing any official figures.
Family members and eyewitnesses reported four separate deaths in the city, while security sources indicated dozens of people had died. In the north-eastern neighbourhood of Gisandema, a bomb destroyed a house and killed a domestic worker, witnesses said. A relative detained at Mpimba Central Prison died after a bomb hit the facility, according to a woman.
Numerous inmates at Mpimba Central Prison, located near the ammunition store, are reported to have been injured. The authorities cannot yet comment on the number of casualties as they are still assessing the extent of the damage. The explosions sent plumes of smoke rising above the city, sparking panic.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressed his condolences to all Burundians and said the authorities are here to help.