Burundi fire kills 38 at overcrowded prison

  • Security forces and a fire engine are seen outside a prison in Gitega, Burundi, following a fire on Tuesday. All photos: AP
    Security forces and a fire engine are seen outside a prison in Gitega, Burundi, following a fire on Tuesday. All photos: AP
  • Burundi's government says 38 prisoners were killed in the fire – and the death toll could rise.
    Burundi's government says 38 prisoners were killed in the fire – and the death toll could rise.
  • More than 60 people were injured in the blaze.
    More than 60 people were injured in the blaze.
  • Many prisoners were asleep when the blaze took hold.
    Many prisoners were asleep when the blaze took hold.
  • Much of the facility was destroyed.
    Much of the facility was destroyed.
  • Burundi's interior ministry said the disaster was caused by an electrical short-circuit at the nearly century-old prison.
    Burundi's interior ministry said the disaster was caused by an electrical short-circuit at the nearly century-old prison.
  • The prison was home to more than 1,500 inmates at the end of November, according to authority figures, far higher than its designed capacity of 400.
    The prison was home to more than 1,500 inmates at the end of November, according to authority figures, far higher than its designed capacity of 400.