- Fire tore through Chad's weapons depot
- Fatalities and injuries have been confirmed
- Residents reported loud explosions
A massive fire tore through Chad’s primary weapons depot in N’Djamena on Tuesday night, causing explosions that rocked the capital and left an unknown number of casualties.
Government Confirms Casualties:
Senior officials, including Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, confirmed fatalities and injuries but haven’t provided specific figures. President Mahamat Idriss Déby offered condolences to the victims’ families.
Unverified Footage Shows Widespread Devastation:
Unverified video circulating online depicts fiery explosions lighting up the night sky. Witnesses reported hearing the blasts from miles away.
Epicenter of the Blast:
The fire erupted at the Goudji district’s military depot, situated near the city’s north end. This area is strategically significant, housing the military headquarters, a French army base, and the airport.
Reports of Exploding Munitions:
According to journalists with AFP and a French official who spoke anonymously, the fire triggered the detonation of various weaponry within the depot.
Residents Describe the Chaos:
A Reuters witness recounted seeing wounded people on the street, while another described a neighbor’s death. Residents reported loud explosions shaking their houses and witnessing a massive fire at the military camp, followed by smoke and objects exploding in the air.
Government Calls for Calm and Announces Investigation:
Foreign Minister Koulamallah urged the public to remain calm after the explosions. President Déby, via Facebook, expressed condolences to the victims and their families and promised a swift recovery for the injured. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but an investigation is underway.
