40 people die after tanker explosion in Liberia
Some had buckets and drums, others were on top of the tanker when it burst into flames
Liberia - Africa. A terrible accident in Liberia has left a devastating toll, with at least 40 people dead and more than 80 injured after a tanker truck overturned and burst into flames in the city of Totota, located about 130 kilometers from the capital, Monrovia.
The dramatic incident was captured on video showing the exact moment the tanker truck exploded, engulfed in flames, shortly after people gathered to collect fuel from the overturned vehicle. Some bodies were reduced to ashes, a health official said, while others suffered severe burns.
Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes before the explosion, with people trying to access gasoline dripping from the overturned tanker. Unfortunately, the situation got out of control when the vehicle burst into flames, leaving many trapped in the tragedy.
It is estimated that more than 20 of the injured were taken to the ELWA (Eternal Love Wins Africa) hospital in Paynesville, Monrovia. Given the magnitude of the emergency, Samaritan's Purse, a humanitarian organization with experience in crisis situations, quickly deployed a team of health professionals, including a surgeon, to provide care to patients with severe burns.
The Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) and a medical team from Bong County also responded to the crash site to assist in rescue and medical care efforts.
The exact cause of the tanker overturning is still unclear, and local authorities are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic explosion.