More than 40 dead in Liberia after leaking fuel tanker exploded as people tried to collect gas
ABC News
Authorities in Liberia say a leaking fuel tanker exploded as people gathered to collect the gasoline, leaving more than 40 dead
MONROVIA, Liberia -- A leaking fuel tanker exploded as people gathered to collect the gasoline, leaving more than 40 dead, authorities in Liberia said Thursday.
The blast on Tuesday also injured at least 83 people in Totota town in the central part of the West African country, health officials said.
Bong County health official Dr. Cynthia Blapook said many of the dead were buried in a mass grave on Wednesday because their remains were unrecognizable. Health authorities said an exact death toll was difficult because of how badly the bodies were burned.
Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor attended the mass funeral.
“We never expected to start the new year like this,” Howard-Taylor said.
