This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On August 10, 2019, a devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred in Morogoro, Tanzania, claiming the lives of at least 64 people and injuring many more.
President John Pombe Magufuli declared three days of national mourning for the victims, with all national flags to be flown at half-mast during this period.
According to a press statement issued by the Director of Communications at State House, the President made the declaration on Saturday, August 10, 2019.
The accident occurred on a major route for transporting cargo and fuel from the port city of Dar es Salaam, the country's commercial capital.
Footage from the scene showed the truck engulfed in fierce flames and huge clouds of black smoke, with burnt bodies lying on the ground.
Initial reports put the death toll at 60, with 70 others reported to have sustained serious injuries.
However, on Sunday, the death toll rose to 64 after more victims succumbed to their injuries.
The Tanzanian government has assured that it will take care of all those affected by the tragedy, with a team constituted to oversee the identification of the bodies.
