A fire that ripped through a military ammunition depot in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, killed at least nine people and wounded dozens more, officials said Wednesday, warning that the death toll could rise.
The blaze, which began on Tuesday night, sent powerful blasts into the sky and shook buildings miles away. One massive crater was visible on the grounds of the military camp. There were also unexploded shells and other munitions littering everywhere.
Government spokesman, Abderaman Koulamallah said it does not appear the cause was criminal but investigations are ongoing.
Officials say the death toll is in danger of rising as many of the wounded were in serious condition.
The sky was up in flames above the Goudji area, where the army hosted its largest depot of ammunition but Koulamallah said soldiers managed to evacuate some vehicles and heavy weapons.
President Mahamat Deby Itno has offered his condolences to the victims’ families.