Explosions at Chad Military Ammunition Depot Result in at least Nine Deaths and 46 Injuries

Nine people have lost their lives and 46 others have been injured following explosions at a military ammunition depot in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night when a fire ignited a series of explosions at the depot, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Koulamallah Abderaman. Local media reported that the blasts began just before midnight and lasted more than 30 minutes, causing nearby buildings to shake and propelling ammunition from the depot with explosive force. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the explosions rocked the surrounding area.

Local resident Moustapha Adoum Mahamat recounted the terrifying experience: “Loud blasts woke us up. Our house was shaking as if someone was 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.”

Another resident reported seeing three injured individuals on the street, two of whom were taken to the hospital on motorbikes. Tragically, a shopkeeper was killed when a shell struck him.

Media images showed spent artillery shells scattered throughout homes, highlighting the danger civilians faced during the explosions.

President Mahamat Deby Itno addressed the incident on Facebook, stating that the fire “caused human and material damage.” He added, “Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the bereaved families and quick recovery to the injured.”

The depot is located just a few kilometers from Chad’s main international airport, which authorities have confirmed was not impacted by the incident.

Image credit: Joris Bolomey