A devastating fire broke out at a massive military ammunition depot in N'Djamena, the capital city of Chad, triggering powerful explosions that illuminated the night sky and caused widespread panic. According to reports from AFP journalists and witnesses on the scene, the blaze, which began late on Tuesday, resulted in ordnance detonating within the flames at regular intervals, casting an eerie red glow over the area.

Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno acknowledged fatalities and injuries from the incident, though specific numbers were not immediately provided. Expressing condolences and solidarity on Facebook, President Deby pledged to launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.

The explosions reverberated across the city, shaking buildings up to seven kilometers away and sending flames high into the air. Kadidja Dakou, a resident in the nearby Amsinene area, described how her home's roof was blown off by one of the blasts, forcing her and her children to seek refuge in the streets alongside their neighbors.

The affected area, particularly around the Goudji district where the ammunition depot is situated, remained under heavy security cordon. Thick red smoke lingered in the air long after the explosions subsided, as authorities and emergency services worked to assess and manage the aftermath.

Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah, also serving as the government spokesman, took to Facebook to alert the public about the significant explosions and urged calm amidst the chaos. The depot, located near N'Djamena's international airport and a French military base, posed a heightened risk due to the variety of munitions involved.

An anonymous official from the French forces confirmed the magnitude of the incident, stating that the fire triggered explosions of various calibers of ammunition. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among French military personnel stationed in the vicinity.

The catastrophic fire underscores the hazardous nature of military ammunition depots and highlights the ongoing risks associated with their storage and management.

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