A devastating fire erupted late Tuesday at a major military ammunition depot in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, triggering powerful explosions that illuminated the night sky and rattled buildings across the city.
Government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah confirmed early Wednesday that while the cause of the blaze was not deemed “criminal,” investigations were already underway to determine its origin.
Initial reports suggested fatalities within the ammunition storeroom, although Koulamallah indicated the civilian death toll was, fortunately, lower than anticipated.
“We were expecting dozens and dozens of deaths. In the end, the collateral damage isn’t very big,” Koulamallah stated, noting that civilian casualties were relatively limited.
Residents in the vicinity recounted harrowing scenes as the explosions ripped through the Goudji area, home to Chad’s largest ammunition depot.
A resident in the nearby Amsinene area, Kadidja Dakou, described how her home’s roof was torn apart by one of the blasts, forcing her and her children to seek refuge in the streets amid fears of further structural damage.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno expressed condolences and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident, which he acknowledged had resulted in casualties and injuries, though specific figures were not immediately disclosed.
“The explosions shook buildings as far as seven kilometres away, and the flames were visible from a distance,” reported witnesses and AFP journalists from the scene.
The French military, stationed nearby, confirmed the magnitude of the incident, emphasising that no French personnel were harmed during the explosions that sent thick plumes of red smoke into the sky.
Chad, a crucial player in the fight against jihadist movements in the Sahel region, has been grappling with political instability since the sudden death of former President Idriss Deby Itno last year, which led to his son assuming power amid contested elections.
Authorities have cordoned off the area surrounding the depot with heavy security measures as investigations continue into the exact cause of the blaze.
More details are expected to emerge following a scheduled media briefing later in the day.
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