A catastrophic fire erupted at a military ammunition depot in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital, causing a series of powerful explosions that resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread panic among residents. The depot, located near the airport and a French military base, with explosions continuing for over 30 minutes and heard miles away. The incident led to frantic efforts to extinguish the flames and assist the injured, according to authorities and witnesses.
The explosion illuminated the night sky, filling it with thick smoke that obscured the clouds. Local media reported that the initial blasts started just before midnight, violently shaking nearby buildings and propelling ammunition from the depot with explosive force. This created significant human and material damage in the densely populated area.
President Mahamat Deby Itno expressed his condolences in a Facebook post, stating, “Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and quick recovery to the injured.” While he did not provide the number of fatalities, he assured the public that an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire.
The incident initially caused panic among the residents, with many fearing an armed attack. “People living in the area panicked, thinking the explosion was an armed attack,” said Oumar Mahamat, a local resident. The situation was later brought under control as security and health officials were deployed to the area. Government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah urged residents to remain calm and stay away from the affected site, which was taken over by security forces gathering scattered artillery shells.
Witnesses described the chaos and fear that gripped the community. Allamine Moussa, another resident, called on the government for urgent assistance, saying, “Many families have recorded deaths and it’s sad.” The explosions and subsequent fire prompted urgent efforts to extinguish the flames and treat the wounded.
The fire at the ammunition depot has highlighted serious safety concerns regarding military installations in populated areas. The cause of the fire remains unclear, and the president's call for an investigation is expected to provide answers and possibly prevent future incidents of this nature.
Chad, a nation of nearly 18 million people, has been navigating political instability following a controversial presidential election that saw President Deby Itno's victory. He had been serving as interim president after the death of his father in 2021, who had ruled the country for over three decades.
This incident comes at a time when Chad is considered a crucial ally by the United States and France in the Sahel region, a volatile area south of the Sahara Desert that has experienced military coups in neighboring countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in recent years. The stability of Chad is essential for maintaining regional security, making this tragic event even more significant.
As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the fire, the focus remains on providing aid to the affected families and ensuring the safety of the community. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures at military installations, particularly those situated in densely populated areas, to prevent such devastating occurrences in the future.
