At least 57 people are killed in a fuel tanker explosion in eastern Tanzania
- WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
- A fuel tanker crashed in Morogoro, 120 miles west of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Locals were gathering leaking fuel from the stricken tanker when it exploded
- Footage from the scene showed the charred remains of people hit by the blast
At least 57 people are killed in a fuel tanker explosion in eastern Tanzania, authorities have confirmed.
The incident happened at Morogoro, around 120 miles west of the capital Dar es Salaam.
Regional police chief Willbrod Mtfungwa said: ‘There was a big blast which has so far killed at least 57 people.’
The fuel tanker exploded as dozens of people attempted to siphon fuel from the stricken truck in Morogoro, Tanzania earlier today
Flames and smoke from the blast rose more than 100 feet into the air
Moments before the blast, dozens of people were collecting fuel from the crashed tanker
Victims were removed from the scene on stretchers following this morning’s massive blast
The victims were believed to have been collecting leaking fuel from the tanker which began leaking after being involved in an earlier accident.
Footage posted online showed people with buckets and basins trying to gather fuel from the tanker which was flowing down the street.
A spark ignited the fuel causing a massive explosion. Badly charred bodies were seen in the area surrounding the destroyed tanker.
As well as the 57 fatalities, a further 65 have been injured.
Eyewitness Daniel Ngogo said: ‘The situation is really bad. Many people died, here even those who were not stealing fuel because this is a busy place.
‘The fire was huge and it was challenging to rescue victims. I have seen about 65 to 70 people being rescued because the fire was fast spreading across the accident area.’
As soon as the flames were doused emergency workers removed the bodies from the area surrounding the truck and brought them to the centre of the town.
A distressing video, which has been shared online, shows the badly charred bodies of the victims being dumped beside a building.
The intensity of the fire burned the clothes off the victims, leaving many completely naked.
The fuel tanker exploded killing almost 60 people in Morogoro, eastern Tanzania