An extensive fire erupted at an ammunition depot in Chad, resulting in fatalities and injuries, as confirmed by senior government officials.
Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah stated that the incident occurred at a military depot in the Goudji area of N’Djamena, the capital.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby expressed condolences to the victims and their families, although the exact number of casualties was not specified.
Video footage, although unverified by the media, captured massive explosions lighting up the night sky, audible from miles away.
The Goudji weapons depot is a crucial military facility situated near the city’s military headquarters, a French army base, and the airport.
Witnesses reported that the blaze triggered weapons to discharge into the air, with explosions of various ammunition calibres observed.
Residents recounted the terrifying experience of loud blasts and shaking houses, with one resident mentioning seeing wounded individuals and another reporting a fatality in their neighborhood.
Foreign Minister Koulamallah urged calm among the public following the explosions.
President Déby, in a Facebook post, expressed condolences, wished a speedy recovery for the wounded, and pledged an investigation into the fire’s cause.
The incident has prompted concerns and calls for thorough scrutiny into the safety and management of military facilities in Chad.
Source-BBC
