An explosion in a bar at Katindo military barracks in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, killed at least six persons and injured 15 more.
On Thursday night, the communication ministry tweeted that the death toll was provisional, correcting an earlier higher death toll stated by government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya.
A lieutenant colonel and his wife, a captain, the bar owner and her companion, and a 12-year-old girl are among the victims.
Local authorities are looking into the circumstances behind the explosion.
The government declared in late 2020 that the Katindo military camp would be transferred outside of Goma to lessen its proximity to the city’s two million residents. This, on the other hand, has yet to be implemented.
It should be recalled that less than two weeks ago, rebels shot down a U.N Helicopter in the country’s North-East, leaving eight dead and several injured.
The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo is fighting numerous rebel groups in the east, but it’s unclear whether the explosion was caused by an attack.
The military governor of North Kivu province has urged residents to remain calm and refrain from speculation while investigations are underway.