N'Djamena ammunition depot explosions
| Date | 18–19 June 2024 |
|---|---|
| Time | "Shortly before midnight" (WAT) |
| Duration | >90 minutes |
| Location | Goudji District, N'Djamena, Chad |
| Coordinates | 12°9′27″N 15°2′6″E / 12.15750°N 15.03500°E |
| Cause | Unknown |
| Deaths | 9+ |
| Non-fatal injuries | 46+ |
The N'Djamena ammunition depot explosions occurred on 18–19 June 2024, when a military ammunition depot in the district of Goudji exploded, causing at least nine fatalities and at least 46 injuries.[1]
Explosions
[edit]Eyewitnesses reported that the initial explosion began just before midnight, with a series of secondary explosions continuing for more than an hour and a half, causing ammunition from the military depot to be forcefully propelled from the storage site, and causing nearby buildings to shake. Multiple homes were located near the ammunition depot, as well as the N'Djamena International Airport and a military base where French troops were stationed.[2]
One person was killed after a falling military shell struck him. Three more people were discovered wounded on the street, two of whom required motorbikes to take them to a hospital. The fire and explosions caused heavy smoke to fill the air around the district,[2] and caused buildings up to 6 or 7 km from the ammo depot to shake. Soldiers were able to move several military vehicles and heavy weapons away from the depot.[3]
Aftermath
[edit]Several buildings close to the depot were gutted, and at least one gigantic crater was left inside the military camp, with a very large amount of unexploded shells munitions and burnt out military vehicles scattered throughout the premises. The Minister of Public Health Abdelmadjid Abderahim reported that the 46 injured from the blasts were in "extremely serious condition".[3]
The President of Chad Mahamat Déby stated that the fire's cause was "not immediately clear", and that an investigation into the background of the incident would be conducted.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Asadu, Chinedu; Takadji, Edouard (19 June 2024). "Explosions at a military ammunition depot in Chad's capital kill 9 people and injure 46 others". AP News. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Deadly blaze at military ammunition depot in Chad's capital". France 24. 19 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
- ^ a b "9 morts dans l'incendie d'un dépôt de munitions de l'armée". Tribune de Genève (in French). 19 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.