December 9, 2021
1 min read

At least 38 inmates died in prison fire in central Burundi

At least 38 inmates died and 69 others were injured in a fire that happened in Gitega prison, in Gitega province, central Burundi, Burundian Vice President Prosper Bazombanza said at a press conference after a visit to the prison…reports Asian Lite News

“Out of over 1,500 inmates living in Gitega central prison, we deplore the death of 38 prisoners including 12 who were asphyxiated and 26 others who died of deep burns. During the incident which happened at dawn on Tuesday, 69 inmates were injured, 34 of them seriously,” Bazombanza said.

According to him, 35 other inmates were slightly injured and received treatment inside the prison, Xinhua news agency reported.

At least 38 inmates died in prison fire in central Burundi

“Medics at Gitega regional hospital where the 34 inmates have been admitted have ascertained that they will get better soon,” said Bazombanza.

“The origin of the fire is chaotic installations, by inmates, of electric wires inside the prison,” he said.

He took the opportunity to warn Burundian people living in communities like schools, military, or police barracks to avoid making such chaotic installations.

He pledged that the hospital bill for those injured patients will be fully paid by the government.

Bazombanza urged the solidarity ministry to provide food items, shelters like tents and mattresses to the prison to allow inmates to “live in acceptable conditions”.

He also appealed to the infrastructure ministry to identify the needs for the rehabilitation of that prison, currently hosting over 1,500 inmates, but whose hosting capacity is only 400.

ALSO READ: Cambodia removes ban from 10 African countries

The prison of Gitega hosts inmates who were accused of the 2015 failed coup plot against the late President Pierre Nkurunziza who suddenly died on June 8, 2020.

In August 2021, the prison of Gitega caught fire, but the fire was quickly brought under control before causing damages.

Previous Story

India committed to strengthening regional cooperation, says Modi

Next Story

India participates in first G20 meeting since joining the Troika

Latest from Africa News

India seeks cooperation with Africa

Addressing the Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament, Modi noted that India’s development partnership in Africa is worth more than $12 billion …reports Asian Lite News Hailing the relations between India and Africa,

India, Namibia Ink health, entrepreneurship MOUs

The African nation is the first country to enter into a licensing agreement to adopt UPI technology…reports Asian Lite News Following their discussions on further strengthening bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi

PM Modi in Namibia for Landmark Visit

PM Modi Arrives in Namibia for First Official Visit…reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Windhoek on Wednesday, beginning his maiden official visit to the southern African nation

Kenyans put president on notice

Kenya’s fifth president became a remarkably unpopular leader barely two years into his presidency after proposing aggressive tax measures that many saw as a betrayal of his campaign promise to support working-class

India Eyes Global No. 3 Spot, Says Modi

The Prime Minister stated that people of India have resolved to make India a Developed Nation by 2047, when “we celebrate 100 years of Independence”….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Malaysia suspends vaccinated travel lane with Singapore

The suspension will run from December 23 to January 20

Jump in Indian rice exports to Africa this year

Indian non basmati rice is priced at about $410 a