At least 9 dead as explosion rocks ammunition warehouse in Chad's capital
At least nine people have died and 46 others were injured in an explosion at an ammunition warehouse in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Chad's Minister of Public Health, Abdelmadjid Abderrahim, announced the casualties during a press conference, stating that the incident occurred late Tuesday.
Local media reports indicated that civilians, including children, were among the victims of the blast, which devastated the Goudji neighborhood in the city.
Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno visited the site early Wednesday to assess the damage and meet with the injured. Speaking to reporters after the visit, President Deby assured that the situation is now under control, emphasizing that the state will provide assistance to the injured.
"This incident underscores the importance of adhering to international norms regarding the construction of weapons storage facilities within cities," President Deby remarked, announcing the formation of a commission to investigate the tragedy.
The cause of the fire remains unclear, and President Mahamat Deby Itno confirmed that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion. (ILKHA)