Over 100 people killed after fuel tanker explodes in S. Sudan
September 17, 2015 (JUBA) – Over 100 people are feared dead after a fuel tanker exploded in Sudan’s Western Equatoria state county of Maridi Thursday, authorities said.
The government of Western Equatoria state has declared three days of mourning to remember victims of the blast, amid fears the death toll could rise further.
The executive director of Maridi county, John Ezkia said nearly 1,000 people had gathered to collect fuel leaking from the overturned tanker.
Other sources told Sudan Tribune the death toll could exceed 100, with dozens wounded.
The state caretaker governor, Patrick Zamoya appealed for assistance to aid the victims.
“We have declared three days of mourning and call upon the UN, the international red cross and the national government to send any help as soon as possible,” said Zamoya.
The fuel tanker was moving from the South Sudanese capital, Juba to Yambio town.
The United Nations Mission in the country (UNMISS) conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the government, people of South Sudan and the families of those who lost their lives.
The mission said it dispatched an emergency patrol to the site to assess the situation, adding, “A special flight carrying a medical assessment team arrived there a few hours ago”.
(ST)