Burundi Prison Fire Kills 38 Inmates, Injures Dozens More: Vice President

Burundi's Vice President Prosper Bazombanza visits the main prison where at least 38 inmates were killed and dozens more injured in a fire in Gitega, Burundi on Dec. 7, 2021. Stringer/Reuters

NAIROBI—At least 38 inmates were killed and dozens more injured in a fire on Tuesday at the main prison in Burundi’s capital Gitega, the country’s vice president said.

Twelve died of asphyxia as they tried to flee the burning buildings and 26 died of severe injuries, Vice President Prosper Bazombanza told reporters at the Gitega Prison after the fire.