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19 June, 2024
A massive fire erupted late Tuesday at a military ammunition depot in N'Djamena, Chad's capital, causing powerful explosions that shook buildings miles away and sending fireballs into the night sky. At least nine people have been confirmed dead and dozens more injured, with officials warning that the death toll could increase.
On Wednesday, officials surveyed the aftermath, revealing gutted buildings and a huge crater within the military camp. Unexploded shells and charred military vehicles littered the scene, highlighting the intensity of the blaze.
<img class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2024-06-19T111638Z_496071262_RC27E8AIUGIJ_RTRMADP_1718807261-0/2024-06-19T111638Z_496071262_RC27E8AIUGIJ_RTRMADP_1718807261-0.jpg" alt="Explosions at Chad ammunition depot kill nine, injure dozens in capital" aria-hidden="false">
Chad's Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim reported that many of the 46 injured are in critical condition, suggesting the casualty numbers may rise. Government spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah confirmed that the cause of the fire was not criminal, but investigations are ongoing. Initial reports indicate several fatalities occurred in the ammunition storage area.
Koulamallah, who also serves as the foreign minister, noted that the actual damage and loss of life were less severe than initially feared. &ldquo;There aren&rsquo;t many civilians who lost their lives,&rdquo; he remarked, relieved that the toll wasn&rsquo;t as high as expected.
<img class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/7edf/live/b9bc2d80-2e30-11ef-90be-b75b34b0bbb2.jpg.webp" alt="Chad explosions: Deadly blaze at ammunition depot in N'Djamena" aria-hidden="false">
The fire engulfed the Goudji area, home to the army's largest ammunition depot, with explosions heard up to seven kilometers away and flames visible from a distance. Resident Kadidja Dakou described how the blast blew the roof off her house, forcing her and her children to seek refuge in the streets.
Despite the chaos, soldiers managed to evacuate vehicles and heavy weaponry, minimizing further potential damage. Regional Planning Minister Mahamat Assileck Halata assured reporters that the fire was contained and deminers were working to secure the area. He urged residents to avoid handling any suspicious objects.
<img class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2024-06/240619-chad-explosion-aftermath-wc-1241-a800cc.jpg" alt="Chad depot explosions kill 9, injure 46" aria-hidden="false">
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno extended condolences to the victims' families during the night. Among the tragic stories, a family in Amsinene mourned the loss of a six-year-old girl who died in her home when a shell exploded.
Authorities maintained a heavy security presence around the site, with red smoke lingering in the air long after the explosions ceased. The depot is located near the international airport and a French military base, though no French personnel were reported injured.
Chad's president, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, recently secured 61 percent of the vote in a controversial election on May 6, criticized by international NGOs for lacking credibility. Deby took office in April 2021, following the death of his father, President Idriss Deby Itno, who ruled for 30 years.

A massive fire at a military ammunition depot in N'Djamena, Chad, resulted in explosions and casualties. Authorities assess the aftermath as investigations continue.

Death Toll Expected to Rise After Explosive Blaze in Chad