After a gasoline tanker crashed into a ditch, many local people used iron bars to pry open the vehicle and get gasoline, causing the vehicle to explode.
According to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Africa, Liberian police announced that at least 15 people were killed and 36 others were injured in a gasoline tanker fire on December 26 in Bong district, central region of the country.
Speaking to the press, Deputy Inspector General of the Liberia National Police – Mr. B. Mulbah said that the gasoline tanker that had a traffic accident lost control and crashed into a ditch along Totota Road in Bong District.
According to witnesses, local people rushed to the car after the accident to get fuel. Some people climbed into the car, used iron bars to break it open and get gasoline. Finally the tanker exploded.
Bong district health officer Cynthia Blapooh said 36 seriously injured people, including women and children, are currently being treated at a local hospital following the incident.
The explosion of this gasoline tanker truck in Liberia occurred just 10 days after the largest fuel warehouse fire in neighboring Guinea.
The disaster killed 24 people, injured hundreds and caused significant material damage.