This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
On August 10, 2019, an oil tanker exploded in Morogoro, Tanzania, resulting in a devastating loss of life and property.
According to reports, the death toll from the tragedy now stands at 64, with two more people dying while undergoing treatment.
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.
President John Magufuli declared three days of national mourning, starting from August 10, 2019, during which all national flags will be hoisted at half-mast.
“President Dr. John Pombe Magufuli has declared three days of national mourning starting Saturday 10th August. In that period, all flags will fly at half-mast,” indicated a press statement read by the Director of Communications at State House.
The Tanzanian government has assured that it will take care of those affected by the fire tragedy, with a team constituted to oversee the identification of the bodies.
Specialist teams were tasked with offering treatment to the majority of the injured, who were rushed to Muhimbili National Hospital and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
Family and friends have been gathering at Morogoro Secondary School grounds to offer their DNA samples as some families begin burial plans.
According to Tanzanian media, the dead comprise of 58 men and 5 women.
