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
-
Mahama promises to build university in six new regions
3 mins -
Mahama promises to enhance ‘Okada’ business with electric tricycles, maintains need for legalisation
12 mins -
Ghana’s land litigation concerns presents threat to solar energy projects
19 mins -
African Games 2023: Joseph Commey makes semis; Walid Omar, two others eliminated in boxing event
24 mins -
African Games: Ghana’s men’s doubles duo one win from medal zone
24 mins -
More tough times ahead for Ghana’s cedi; cedi is 3rd worst currency in Africa – Bloomberg
28 mins -
IMF Boss urges Ghana to foster inclusive society amid anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
37 mins -
Recent depreciation of cedi not worrying; trend to reverse soon – Prof Turkson
39 mins -
We won’t allow aliens to elect our MP for us anymore – Effutu NDC PC James Kofi Annan
42 mins -
It is not a crime to show foreign movies during prime time – Lawyer
43 mins -
The era of omnichannel retailing and the faith of conservative brands
55 mins -
Extend mentoring to less privileged areas – Women in Engineering urged
1 hour -
Admaius Capital partners with Egyptian medicated-cosmetics business Parkville
1 hour -
Clean energy advocates want intensified efforts to achieve 10% renewable energy target amid recent power cuts
1 hour -
GRA urges public collaboration to expose tax evaders
1 hour