Nine persons have been reportedly killed and over 40 injured in explosions at a military ammunition depot in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital.
The explosions, reportedly set off by a fire in the depot in the wee hours of Wednesday, jolted residents in the Goudji district of N’Djamena from their sleep.
President Mahamat Deby Itno said an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire, while government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah said about 46 injured victims were receiving treatment.
“Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the bereaved families and quick recovery to the injured,” Deby said on Facebook after visiting the scene of the incident and hospitals.
Authorities urged residents to leave the area, which has been taken over by security forces gathering the scattered artillery shells.
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