Death toll from Tanzania's fuel tanker explosion rises to 75: official

Source: Xinhua| 2019-08-12 23:52:38|Editor: yan
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DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the fuel tanker explosion in Tanzania's eastern region of Morogoro has reached 75, an official from the east African nation's leading medical facility said on Monday.

Sixty people died on the spot and 70 others were seriously injured when the fuel tanker exploded after it had overturned on Saturday morning.

Aminiel Aligaesha, the Muhimbili National Hospital head of communications, said the latest deaths were among 43 survivors who were transferred to the facility for specialized treatment.

"We have lost another four victims of the explosion who were receiving treatment at the hospital. We are now remained with 39 survivors," he said.

On Sunday most of the victims were buried in a mass grave in Morogoro region after their bodies were burnt beyond recognition.

Most of the dead were reportedly trying to collect leaking petrol from the overturned fuel tanker before it exploded and caused huge flames.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa announced the formation of a special team to investigate into the fuel tanker explosion.

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