N’Djamena (agencies)
The Chadian Minister of Health, Abdelmadjid Abderrahim, said that at least 9 people were killed and more than 46 were injured in explosions caused by a fire in an army ammunition depot in the capital, N’Djamena.
Abdel Rahim told reporters yesterday that the number of victims may rise, as the injuries of many are serious.
The explosions lit up the night sky over the military base, which is located near the main international airport in the central African country, and shells and shrapnel flew towards nearby houses, whose terrified residents are currently struggling to find safe havens.
President Mohamed Idriss Deby visited the accident site yesterday morning, where car wreckage and twisted metal were seen scattered around a large hole in the ground caused by the explosions.
Government spokesman Abdul Rahman Kalam Allah said that the causes of the fire were not criminal, confirming that an investigation would be conducted.
Kalam Allah, who is also Foreign Minister, said, “The deaths and damage are less than we expected. We expected dozens of deaths,” adding, “There are not many civilian casualties.”
Regional Planning Minister Mehmet Asilik Hlata confirmed to reporters at the scene that the fire had been contained and that the situation was under control.
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