Monrovia – AFP
At least 40 people were killed when a tanker truck exploded following an accident in central Liberia, police said Tuesday.
The tanker loaded with gasoline broke out in flames after it fell into a hole on a road in Totota, 130 kilometers from the capital, Monrovia.
Dr. Francis Katie told the local Super Bonges TV channel that it is difficult to determine the number of victims because some of them turned to ash, but he estimated that more than 40 people were killed in the accident.
He added to Agence France-Presse, “We have a team moving from one house to another to check on the missing people.”
Police reported earlier that 15 people were killed and at least 30 injured due to passers-by gathering at the scene.
Deputy Inspector General of the National Police, Prince Mulbah, said: “A large number of people suffered burns.”
Police officer Malvin Sakor added that after the accident, some local residents began filling the leaking gasoline before the tank exploded, killing and injuring people.
He pointed out that the police continue to count the total number of dead and wounded.
An eyewitness from Totota told Agence France-Presse: “People climbed on top of the truck to collect gasoline, while others knocked on the truck with metal pieces to pierce it so that they could get the gasoline.”
He added that the driver “asked them not to climb on top of the tanker and to stop knocking on it, but some were using screwdrivers to make holes in it.”
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2023-12-28 08:01:48
