A devastating fire at a military ammunition depot in Chad has killed at least nine people and injured 46 others, according to Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim. The death toll is feared to rise, as many of the injured are in critical condition.
The explosions, which occurred in the Goudji area of the capital N’Djamena, lit up the night sky and were heard miles away. The depot is Chad’s main arsenal, located near military headquarters, two French army bases, and the airport, with numerous residential houses in the vicinity.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah attributed the fire to an accident, noting that the number of casualties was lower than initially feared. “We were expecting dozens and dozens of deaths. In the end, the collateral damage isn’t very big,” he said, adding that there were few civilian fatalities.
Residents reported being woken by the explosion. “Our house was shaking as if someone were shooting at us. Then we saw a big fire at the military camp and smoke and things exploding in the air,” said Moustapha Adoum Mahamat, a local resident.
An official from the French forces confirmed the presence of “explosions of ammunition of all calibres” but stated that no French military personnel were injured.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby visited the site and hospitals treating the injured. He extended his condolences on Facebook and ordered an investigation into the fire.
The explosions have caused significant concern, with Koulamallah urging the public to remain calm. Initial inspections suggested several fatalities in the ammunition storeroom, but soldiers had time to evacuate vehicles and heavy weapons, taking shelter themselves.
France has around 1,000 troops in Chad to combat jihadist groups across West Africa, and Chadian troops are crucial in the fight against Islamist militants in the region.
