Mozambique: Fuel tank explosion kills 73, 110 injured

At least 73 people were killed and 110 others were injured when a fuel tanker exploded in Mozambique late on Thursday. The incident took place when residents gathered around the truck in the town of Caphiridzange in Tete province to buy petrol.

Reports said that the truck had crashed and residents were trying to take off with petrol. Mozambique Information Ministry director Joao Manasses said it was possible that the truck was ambushed by residents. He has also announced an investigation.

"The incident occurred when citizens tried to take petrol from a truck in a small village in Tete province. Because of the heat, the truck burst into flames," a government statement said.

The carnage left charred bodies in the town. Many of the people had tried to run off to the river nearby while officials said that there would be more bodies in the jungle nearby.

The incident took place after a truck driver veered off the main road from Malawi, which is close to the blast site, and came to the town to sell fuel. The truck had started from the port town of Beira, Radio Mozambique reports.

The injured were taken to nearby hospitals in ambulances and other vehicles. Additional medical teams were also sent to the spot.

Senior Mozambique government officials will visit the site on Friday for further investigation.