A fire ignited at a military ammunition depot in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, leading to a series of explosions on Tuesday night. The blasts resulted in at least nine fatalities and over 46 injuries, according to Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim. The incident has left the city in turmoil as authorities work to handle the aftermath and investigate the fire’s cause.
Foreign Affairs Minister Koulamallah Abderaman reported that the blasts, which occurred in the Goudji district, jolted residents from their sleep and caused widespread panic. “The situation has been brought under control,” Koulamallah said, but he warned that the death toll could rise due to the severity of some injuries.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as explosions lit up the night sky, and thick smoke covered the area. Artillery shells were propelled into nearby homes, causing additional injuries and fatalities. “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,” a local resident recounted.
🔴CHAD 🇹🇩| #Drama: a gigantic fire followed by major explosions killed several people this Wednesday 19 in #Ndjamena. The tragedy occurred around 2 a.m., when the largest ammunition depot in the country, located in the army barracks in the capital (Goudji district) caught fire. pic.twitter.com/9X8EZRi6v1
— Nanana365 (@nanana365media) June 19, 2024
President Mahamat Déby Itno extended his condolences to the victims’ families and visited the scene as well as hospitals treating the injured. He announced an investigation to determine the fire’s cause. “Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and a quick recovery to the injured,” Déby said on Facebook.
The fire broke out just a few kilometers from Chad’s main international airport, which was not affected by the incident. Authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the affected area, now secured by security forces collecting scattered artillery shells.
Local media shared images of spent shells that had landed in people’s homes, with one shopkeeper reportedly killed by a shell. Residents expressed their fear and confusion, with many initially believing the explosions were part of an armed attack. Oumar Mahamat, a local resident, noted the panic as people fled their homes seeking safety.
Expanded Coverage:
