An explosion and ensuing stampede kill 29 children in a Central African Republic school
Associated Press2 days
School Explosion and Stampede Kill 29 Students in Central African Republic
Above: Children listen during a summer school class at Ngueredomo Primary School in Birao on August 12, 2024. Image copyright: Amaury Falt-Brown/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
In light of the tragedy that unfolded on Wednesday, the government offers the families of those who have lost loved ones its deepest condolences and wishes the injured a fast recovery. In response, the nation must stand together in solidarity to support one another through this challenging time, which is why the government is implementing a period of national mourning.
Government-critical narrative
This catastrophe is a disaster of the government’s own making. Had the authorities properly invested in establishing high-quality infrastructure, the transformer would not have exploded, and the stampede would never have happened. The government must urgently launch an investigation and improve public infrastructure to prevent a disaster like this from happening again.