In a sad incident in central Liberia, more than 40 people are feared dead as a tanker truck carrying gasoline exploded after crashing in Totota, approximately 130 kilometres (80 miles) from the capital Monrovia.
News About Nigeria gathered that the tanker crash occurred when the vehicle, transporting a highly flammable cargo of gasoline, tipped into a ditch along a road.
Dr. Francis Kateh, Liberia’s chief medical officer, spoke to local broadcaster Super Bongese TV, saying that it was difficult to give the exact number of victims due to some being reduced to ashes.
However, he estimated that over 40 people lost their lives in the tragic incident.
“We have our team going from home to home to check on those that are missing,” Dr. Kateh stated.
Earlier reports from the police had initially put the death toll at 15, with at least 30 people reported injured as locals gathered at the scene.
Prince B. Mulbah, deputy inspector general for the Liberia National Police, mentioned that many people suffered severe burns.
Eyewitness Aaron Massaquoi from Totota shared an account, stating, “People climbed all on top of the truck, taking the gas, while some of them had irons hitting the tanker for it to burst for them to get gas.”
He added that the driver warned people not to climb on top of the tanker and requested that they stop hitting it, but some continued to puncture the tank using screwdrivers.
The scene unfolded as leaking gas attracted locals, resulting in a tragic explosion that claimed numerous lives and left others wounded.
The police are actively gathering information to determine the total number of casualties and injuries.
