N'Djamena, Chad

A devastating fire broke out at a massive military ammunition depot in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, causing fatalities and injuries, President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno announced on Wednesday (June 19). 

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The blaze erupted late Tuesday, leading to extensive damage and loss of life.

In a post on Facebook, President Deby said it "caused human and material damage." However, he did not specify the number of casualties.

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"Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the grieving families and a speedy recovery to the wounded," he added while promising a thorough investigation into the incident.

The fire broke out just a few kilometres from Chad's main international airport, which authorities said was unaffected.

What happened?

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According to AFP, the massive fire started late on Tuesday (June 17) at the depot in the Goudji area near the airport. It caused a series of explosions that were heard miles away.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing projectiles launched into the sky and detonating, illuminating the area with flashes of red and black. As per the report, explosions continued for more than an hour and a half after the initial blasts.

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While an official figure on the number of casualties is awaited, Reuters citing witnesses reports that at least one person was killed and several wounded. A resident of a neighbourhood near the depot has reported witnessing at least two injured people being rushed to hospital on motorbikes.

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In a statement on Facebook, Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, also the government spokesperson, urged the population to remain calm and described the explosions as "huge." 

A senior army official speaking to AFP confirmed that the "biggest ammunition depot in N'Djamena has caught fire".

The depot is located in a densely populated neighbourhood near the international airport and a base where French troops are stationed. An official from the French forces, speaking anonymously, stated that the fire "caused explosions of ammunition of all calibres".

(With inputs from agencies)