73 killed as overturned fuel truck explodes in Mozambique (GRAPHIC)
A Mozambique truck delivering petrol overturned and then exploded, claiming lives of at least 73 people. The government said the incident occurred when locals tried to siphon fuel from the overturned vehicle.
WARNING: TWEETS CONTAIN EXTREMELY GRAPHIC IMAGES
Some 110 more people were injured and have been taken the Provincial Hospital of Tete, as well as health centers in Zóbuè and Moatize.
The truck was carrying petrol to Malawi from the port city of Beira, the Mozambican government said in a statement.
Dados actualizados do governo indicam que o numero subiu para 43 obitos e 110 feridos. #Mocambique#Tetepic.twitter.com/kAXcHM1WUG
— Alexandre Zerinho (@AllexandreMZ) November 17, 2016
The vehicle was passing through the town of Caphiridzange in Tete province, near the Malawian border, when it overturned and subsequently exploded at around 15:00 local time.
“The incident occurred when citizens tried to take petrol from a truck,” the government said in a statement quoted by the Independent. “Because of the heat, the truck burst into flames.”
O Gov central criou equipa de emergência pra juntar-se aos esforços do províncial de #Tete no apoio aos envolvidos no incidente da explosão. pic.twitter.com/AAGqPeoVdZ
— Alexandre Zerinho (@AllexandreMZ) November 17, 2016
The government first put the death toll at 43, then raised it to 73. Authorities are now investigating the incident. A multi-agency task force has been dispatched to the area.
