Many prisoners are feared dead after a fire broke out in the main prison in Burundi's capital, Gitega, on Tuesday.
Images shared online show bodies of people thought to be prisoners.
Authorities in Burundi haven’t yet released any details about the incident.
A journalist from a private media house located near the prison says firefighters entered the prison, but a big part of the facility had already been burnt.
“Many nurses from Gitega hospital were mobilised and we saw them entering the prison to help,” he told BBC Great Lakes.
A prisoner who survived the fire told the BBC that the fire broke at around 04:00 local time while many inmates were still asleep.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
In late August, an electrical fault caused a fire in a section of the prison, but no casualties were recorded.
Latest Stories
-
Medical Laboratory Professionals threaten to strike over conditions of service
2 hours -
Residents of Anloga, Keta express frustration over ECG billing
2 hours -
I don’t believe in praying in tongues – Strongman
2 hours -
‘After The floods’: VRA and GMet clash over cause of Akosombo Dam spillage disaster
2 hours -
‘After The Floods’: Victims suffer harsh conditions 6 months after Akosombo dam disaster
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo to unveil Otumfuo commemorative stamp
3 hours -
EduSpots distributes over 100 tablets and laptops to 30 community-led education spaces
3 hours -
Taxation is driving away investors – FABAG General Secretary
4 hours -
Effutu MP commissions office for Hepatitis B; absorbs cost of testing, vaccination and management
4 hours -
Bawumia pushes for land digitisation to tackle land guard menace
4 hours -
Faith-based institutions are instrumental in national development – Bawumia
4 hours -
Upholding the Integrity of Presidential Promises: A call to Ghanaian leaders
4 hours -
I don’t start ‘beefs’; I only reply – Strongman refutes claims
4 hours -
Vice President Bawumia promises reforms to turn Ghana’s fortunes around
5 hours -
REGSEC warns encroachers along Tema-Sakumono Ramsar site as it races to prevent flooding
5 hours