A fire at a military ammunition depot in N'Djamena, Chad, set off deadly explosions killing nine and injuring 46, leading to panic and speculation amidst ongoing political turmoil.

The incident has triggered widespread panic among residents, some of whom initially mistook the explosions for an armed attack. President Mahamat Deby Itno has promised a thorough investigation, while authorities urge the public to avoid the affected area. This calamity comes at a time of heightened political instability in Chad, with ongoing tensions exacerbated by recent electoral controversies and regional conflicts with Sudan.

The fire broke out in the Goudji district of N'Djamena, just a few kilometers away from Chad's main international airport. Despite the proximity, the airport was not affected by the explosions, which helped prevent an even wider area of disruption and panic.

Government spokesperson Abderaman Koulamallah confirmed the casualty figures, stating that nine people were killed and 46 were injured. Witness reports indicated that a shopkeeper was among the deceased, after being hit by a shell. At least one person was killed according to early witness accounts, and many of the injured were seen being rushed to hospitals for treatment.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene with wounded individuals lying on the ground, while the force of the explosions shook nearby buildings. The explosions were powerful enough to throw ammunition into the surrounding area, and images posted by media showed spent artillery shells that had landed in people’s homes, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Residents were seen fleeing in panic, with many fearing that the explosions were part of an armed attack. Such fears reflect the heightened state of anxiety in Chad amidst its ongoing political crisis. The government’s quick response, deploying security and health officials to the area and calling on residents to stay out of the affected zone, aimed at restoring order and ensuring public safety.

President Mahamat Deby Itno took to Facebook to express his condolences to the families of the victims and to promise a thorough investigation into the incident. He acknowledged the distress and confusion caused by the explosions and assured the public that authorities would examine all factors leading to the fire and subsequent detonations.

The nighttime explosions lit up the sky and filled the air with thick smoke, creating terrifying scenes for residents who were already on edge due to the nation's political climate. Chad has been engulfed in turmoil, especially following a controversial presidential election that has strained the country’s stability.

There are competing claims about the cause of the explosion, with some speculating that it might be linked to Chad's internal political crisis and regional tensions with neighboring Sudan. These tensions have escalated in recent months, contributing to a backdrop of uncertainty and fear that may have heightened the public's reaction to the events.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities will be looking into safety protocols at the ammunition depot and how the fire started. The depot, containing military ammunition, poses serious risks if safety measures are not strictly followed. Ensuring such protocols are in place is particularly crucial in densely populated areas like N'Djamena's Goudji district, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The government’s immediate response and President Itno’s promise of a thorough investigation represent efforts to address public concern and uncover the underlying causes of this tragedy. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for how military installations and ammunitions are managed across the country.

Chad's current political climate adds another layer of complexity to the incident, as the government is already dealing with internal dissent and external pressures. The outcome of the investigation and the government’s handling of this crisis will likely be closely watched, both domestically and by the international community.