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Sudan

 

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Scores killed in South Sudan fuel truck explosion 

 

In South Sudan, approximately 85 people were killed after a ruptured down fuel truck exploded as a crowd gathered around it to siphon petroleum from its tank, officials stated.

This event occurred in the town of Maridi, in the state of Western Equatoria, after the fuel truck angled off the road, said presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny. Specifying local authorities, he said the tanker was "full of petrol" that started to leak and residents were siphoning off fuel when suddenly someone lit a cigarette, which led to sparking the blast.

Officials gave varying estimates of the death toll. It was hard to determine. According to Atney, at least 85 people were killed in the explosion. However, Gov. Patrick Raphael Zamoi said the number was closer to 176.

"People are still dying; they have not assessed the exact number in the hospital," Zamoi said.

Charles Kisagna, minister of information for the state, said about 50 others were also seriously injured in the blast.

Ateny said the injured were taken to local hospitals, which were overwhelmed with people. Some victims were burned so bad you couldn’t even recognize them, he said.

Layal Horanieh, spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross in nearby Juba, said the aid group sent about two burn kits to Maridi, each with enough equipment to treat at least 50 patients.

Fuel tank explosions are common in East Africa at death point. The poor residents whom live near highways often come together around vehicles involved in accidents/collisions to embezzle the gas and then sell it. In June 2013, 29 people were killed and a number injured in an explosion after a collision between a fuel truck and a passenger van in the Ugandan capital of Kampala. 

South Sudan is in the clamp of a critical economic crisis kindled by nearly two years of civil war, which has caused excessive inflation and lofty prices of basic goods, including fuel. The ferocity has left tens of thousands of people mortified and the impoverished country split along ethnic lines.

In my opinion, I can't seem to understand why you would light a cigarette if you are near a truck that is leaking petroleum from its tank? Various fuel tank explosions have occurred in East Africa, and they most likely happen due to the fuel coming in contact with fire. So, knowing that these type of explosions happen often, then why would you light a cigarette when you're collecting petroleum? I understand that they do need the money, but knowing you're working with something so hazardous, why light a cigarette? I am wondering if they thought about the consequences.