The incident, which left nine people dead and 46 injured, has sparked concerns about the location of the depot and the potential danger it poses to nearby residents.
Government officials held a press conference on June 19th to provide details on the tragedy. Spokesman Abderaman Koulamallah stressed that the cause of the blaze remains unknown. “Investigations are underway to determine whether this was an accident or a criminal act,” he stated.
The Ministry of Health confirmed nine fatalities and 46 injuries. Dr. Abdelmajid Abderrahim assured the public that the state would cover medical expenses for all those affected. Limane Mahamat, Minister of Territorial Administration, commended demining teams for their swift response and containment efforts throughout the night.
The incident has reignited debate about the location of the ammunition depot, situated near the city center and N’Djamena’s airport. Local residents have long expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with such a location.
Following a visit to the site, Chad’s Head of State, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, acknowledged these concerns. “The construction of ammunition depots in the middle of cities needs to be re-evaluated,” he stated.