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A massive fire at a military ammunition depot in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, Wednesday resulted in at least nine deaths and 46 injuries. Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim said itr leftr many of the wounded in critical condition. The explosions, which lasted about half an hour, lit up the night sky and were heard miles away.
The depot, located in the Goudji area, is the country’s main arsenal. It is situated near the military headquarters, two French army bases, and the airport. The densely populated neighborhood also includes numerous residential houses, exacerbating the potential for civilian casualties.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah initially told the media that the fire was accidental and that the death toll was lower than feared. “We were expecting dozens and dozens of deaths. In the end, the collateral damage isn’t very big,” he said, adding that few civilians were among the fatalities. However, the health minister did not specify if the victims were military personnel or civilians.
Residents described the terrifying scene. Moustapha Adoum Mahamat, narrated the experience. “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. We could see artillery fly over us.” An official working with French forces reported “explosions of ammunition of all calibres” but confirmed no French military personnel were wounded.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby visited the site and the injured in hospital on Wednesday morning. He posted condolences on Facebook, ordered an investigation into the fire, and urged the public to remain calm. Initial inspections suggested several people were killed in the ammunition storeroom. The soldiers had time to evacuate vehicles and heavy weapons, taking shelter themselves, according to Koulamallah.
France has about 1,000 troops in Chad to combat jihadist groups across West Africa, with Chadian troops playing a crucial role in fighting Islamist militants in the region.
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