A tragedy in Tanzania: Magufuli declares three days of mourning while the death toll is 64

Tanzanian President John Magufuli has declared three days of national mourning following an oil tanker explosion on Saturday.

The toll of the tragedy is 64 today, after the death of two other people in the process of treatment.

The accident occurred in the city of Morogoro, the main transportation route for cargo and fuel from the port city of Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital of the country.

One witness testified that the truck was traveling at high speed and was trying to avoid a motorcyclist on the main road near a Msamvu bus station. The driver appeared to lose control of his vehicle before the truck overturned and subsequently exploded.

In a press release issued on Sunday, Magufuli said that during the three days of mourning, all national flags will be flown at half mast.

According to Jenista Mhagama, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, the Tanzanian government will take care of those affected by the tragedy of the fire.


Oil tanker kills 57 people in Tanzania, state media reports
In a press conference with the Tanzanian media, the minister said a team had been formed to oversee the identification of the bodies.

The majority of the wounded were transported to Muhimbili National Hospital and Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. Tanzanian media reported that teams of specialists were in charge of providing treatment.

So far, family and friends continue to gather on the grounds of Morogoro High School to offer their DNA samples as some families begin their burial plans.

Tanzanian media say the dead include 58 men and 5 women.