N’Djamena, Chad – A massive fire ripped through Chad’s main military ammunition depot in the capital, N’Djamena, on Tuesday night, triggering a series of explosions that rocked the city and left at least nine people dead. The health minister, Abdelmadjid Abderahim, warned the death toll could climb as many of the 46 injured were in critical condition.
The explosions, which erupted in the Goudji district and lasted for roughly half an hour, sent shockwaves across the city. Videos captured the fiery spectacle that illuminated the night sky, with witnesses reporting the blasts echoing for miles. Located near military headquarters, French army bases, and the airport, the Goudji depot serves as the country’s central arsenal. Residential areas also surround the facility.
Earlier reports, based on initial assessments, suggested a lower casualty toll. However, the health minister’s briefing painted a grimmer picture. Abderahim did not specify if the casualties were civilians or military personnel.
Residents described a terrifying experience. “The explosion woke me up,” recounted Moustapha Adoum Mahamat to Reuters. “The house shook violently, then we saw a huge fire at the military camp with smoke and things exploding in the air. We even saw artillery flying overhead.”
An official working with French forces confirmed “explosions of ammunition of all calibres” and reported no French casualties.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby visited the blast site and injured victims in hospitals on Wednesday morning. He had previously expressed condolences on Facebook and ordered a probe into the fire. “May the victims rest in peace,” he wrote. “My deepest condolences to the grieving families, and a speedy recovery to the wounded.”
Initial investigations suggest several fatalities occurred within the ammunition storage area, according to Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah. He added that soldiers managed to evacuate vehicles and heavy weaponry before taking cover.
France maintains a force of roughly 1,000 troops in Chad to combat jihadist groups across West Africa. Chadian troops have also been instrumental in the fight against Islamist militants in the region.
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