A massive fire at a military ammunition depot in Chad has resulted in at least nine fatalities and 46 injuries, according to Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim. The death toll may rise, as many of the injured are in “extremely serious” condition.
The explosions, originating from the Goudji area of the capital, N’Djamena, persisted for about half an hour overnight. Video footage showed the night sky illuminated by the blasts, which were heard miles away, witnesses reported.
The Goudji depot, Chad’s main arsenal, is situated in the northern part of the city near military headquarters, a French army base, the airport, and numerous residential houses.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah told French media that the fire was accidental, and the death toll was lower than initially feared. “We were expecting dozens and dozens of deaths. In the end, the collateral damage isn’t very big,” Koulamallah, also the government’s spokesman, told AFP. “There aren’t many civilians who lost their lives,” he added.
Health Minister Abderahim did not specify whether the casualties were military personnel or civilians. Resident Moustapha Adoum Mahamat told Reuters that he was awakened by the explosion, describing his house shaking as if under attack. “We saw a big fire at the military camp, smoke, and things exploding in the air,” he said. “We could see artillery fly over us.”
A French forces official confirmed “explosions of ammunition of all calibres” but reported no French military casualties.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby visited the site and the hospital treating the wounded on Wednesday morning. Shortly after midnight, he expressed condolences on Facebook and ordered an investigation: “Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the grieving families, and a speedy recovery to the wounded.”
In the immediate aftermath, Koulamallah urged the public to remain calm and mentioned that an initial inspection indicated several fatalities in the ammunition storeroom. “The soldiers had time to evacuate the vehicles, heavy weapons, etc., and were able to take shelter,” he told AFP.
France has about 1,000 troops in Chad combating jihadist groups across West Africa. Chadian troops have also been crucial in battling Islamist militants in the region.
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