Ethiopia: Authorities refute social media reports of major explosion in Addis Ababa Jan. 14

Event

Authorities in Addis Ababa have issued a statement dismissing reports of a major explosion at the Ethiopian capital's city hall that had been circulating among some social media users during the evening hours Jan. 14. In their statement, city officials acknowledged that a blast had occurred in the building at about 1630 the same day; however, they asserted that, contrary to claims made on social media, it was not severe in nature and originated from fireworks that were stored there. The building has been undergoing renovations. Emergency personnel responded and extinguished the resulting fire; no casualties were reported.

Advice