Deadly Arsenal Blaze Stirs National Alarm, President Vows Action

In Summary

• A massive fire at Chad's main military arsenal in N'Djamena has resulted in at least nine deaths and 46 injuries.
• Many of the injured are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may increase.
• The fire was reportedly accidental, with initial fears of a much higher casualty rate.
• The explosions disrupted the local area significantly, impacting nearby military and civilian facilities.
• President Mahamat Idriss Déby visited the site and the hospital, offering condolences and ordering an investigation.

DETAILS

N'Djamena, Chad- In a devastating overnight event, a large fire at Chad’s primary military ammunition depot in the Goudji area of the capital, N'Djamena, resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, with another 46 suffering injuries, some critically. Health Minister Abdelmadjid Abderahim, addressing the severity of the situation, highlighted the potential for the death toll to rise as many of the wounded are in "extremely serious" condition.

The incident, which lasted about half an hour, was captured in dramatic video footage that illuminated the night sky, with explosions heard several miles away, according to witnesses. The depot, situated in close proximity to military headquarters, two French army bases, and the airport, also lies near numerous residential areas, raising the risks to civilians.

Despite the severity of the blast, Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, who also serves as the government spokesperson, informed the French media that the incident was accidental and that the casualties were far fewer than initially feared. "We were expecting dozens and dozens of deaths. In the end, the collateral damage isn't very big," Koulamallah said, indicating that fewer civilians were affected than anticipated.

The health minister did not specify whether the casualties were military personnel or civilians. Local residents experienced significant distress; Moustapha Adoum Mahamat told Reuters that the explosion felt like an attack, with his house shaking violently. "We could see artillery fly over us," he said, describing the terrifying scene.

French military officials confirmed that the explosions involved "ammunition of all calibres" but reported no injuries among the French troops stationed nearby. The incident has garnered a rapid response from Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby, who visited both the site and those injured in the hospital. He expressed his condolences and has called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

This incident underscores the volatile security environment in Chad, where French troops and local forces are actively engaged in combating jihadist groups across West Africa. The country's strategic importance in regional security efforts makes the stability and safety of such military installations crucial.