A massive fire at an ammunition depot in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, has resulted in multiple casualties, according to senior government officials. The blaze, which caused a series of major explosions, occurred at a military depot in the Goudji area.

Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah confirmed the incident, while President Mahamat Idriss Déby extended his condolences to the victims and their families, though the exact number of casualties remains undisclosed.

Unverified video footage shows the night sky illuminated by blasts, which witnesses reported could be heard miles away. The Goudji depot, the main arsenal of the country, is located in the northern part of the city, near military headquarters, a French army base, and the airport.

Journalists from the AFP news agency reported that the fire triggered weapons to discharge into the air. A French official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described “explosions of ammunition of all calibres.”

Local residents shared harrowing accounts of the chaos. Moustapha Adoum Mahamat told Reuters, “Loud blasts woke us up. Our house was shaking as if someone were shooting at us. Then we saw a big fire at the military camp, smoke, and things exploding in the air. We could see artillery fly over us.”

Reports indicate that three injured people were seen on the streets, and at least one fatality was confirmed by a neighbor.

Foreign Minister Koulamallah urged the public to remain calm following the explosions. President Déby took to Facebook after midnight, writing, “Peace to the souls of the victims, sincere condolences to the grieving families, and a speedy recovery to the wounded.”

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and President Déby has promised a thorough investigation into the incident.