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The aftermath of a tanker burnt in Mbuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Saturday, October 6, 2018. At least 50 people were killed and more than a hundred were badly burned when a tank truck in Congo collided with another truck. rushed to collect fuel leaks, caught fire, witnesses and officials said Saturday. (Henri Alimasi / Ministry of Health of Congo via AP) (Associated Press)
KINSHASA, Congo – The Congo Ministry of Health said at least 39 people died and more than 80 people were hospitalized after a tanker collided with another truck in western Congo .
The ministry reduced by 50 the number of deaths announced Saturday by the regional governor. The updated lower figure quotes relief officials and hospital records.
The accident occurred in the village of Mbuba, not far from the city of Kisantu and about 200 kilometers southwest of the capital, Kinshasa.
According to witnesses, villagers rushed to recover vehicle fuel leaks when a fire broke out. The fire quickly spread to nearby houses.
According to the ministry, 20 people died immediately and out of more than 100 transferred to a hospital, 19 died later. The toll is temporary.
President Joseph Kabila ordered Saturday three days of national mourning.
An investigation was opened on the cause of the accident.
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