Fuel tanker truck catches fire in Libya, killing nine and injuring 76
A fuel tanker truck caught fire and exploded today in central Libya, killing at least nine people and injuring 76 others.
The incident took place in the central town of Bent Bayya when the tanker truck overturned before catching fire and exploding.
State-run Libya News agency reported residents in the area rushed to collect leaked gasoline despite warnings of possible fire and explosion, causing the high casualty tolls.
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The truck exploded when a crowd flocked around it as the tanker headed to resupply a petrol station in the Bent Bayyah district. AP
Such incidents occasionally happen in impoverished areas where safety measures are mostly neglected.
The state-run Emergency Services in the area gave the casualty tolls.
The injured were taken to the medical centre in the nearby city of Sabha, said Halima al-Mahri, a spokeswoman for the centre.
Al-Mahri said at least 16 critically injured were evacuated to hospitals in the capital of Tripoli and the eastern city of Benghazi.
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At least nine people were killed and dozens injured when a fuel truck exploded in southwestern Libya. AP
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The centre posted footage, including graphic images, of people at an emergency ward receiving treatment for their burns.
It was not immediately clear what caused the tanker to overturn and explode.
Fathi Bashagha, one of Libya's rival prime ministers, said he ordered an investigation into the incident.
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With Associated Press
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