BANGUI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- A power transformer exploded on Wednesday at Barthelemy Boganda High School in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), during an ongoing baccalaureate exam session, according to the Ministry of National Education.

The ministry said in a statement that following a technical malfunction earlier in the day, a team from Energie Centrafricaine (ENERCA) was dispatched to carry out repair work. The explosion occurred when power was being restored, causing panic among the examination candidates.

"We were in the middle of the exam when we heard a loud explosion. Everyone started running in all directions. Several classmates fell and couldn't get back up," said Rufin Pandama, a student who was present at the scene.

The authorities have not yet released the exact number of victims. According to the statement, the two examination centers at the school were assigned a total of 5,311 candidates. The explosion resulted in multiple serious injuries and fatalities.

However, based on information obtained from two hospitals in the capital, the provisional death toll is at least 10, with several others critically injured.

Measures will be taken promptly to clarify the circumstances of the incident, and a follow-up statement will announce the date for the resumption of the remaining exam session, the ministry added. ■