Scores killed in Mozambique fuel tanker explosion

Scores of people were killed and over 100 wounded when a fuel tanker exploded in Mozambique, southern Africa.

Authorities said at least 73 people died and 110 were injured in Thursday’s incident in the village of Caphiridzange in the western province of Tete, the BBC reported. It said the circumstances surrounding the blast were unclear.

Radio Mozambique reported that the explosion occurred after a truck driver stopped to sell fuel to residents who gathered round the vehicle, according to the Associated Press.

President Filipe Nyusi pledged Friday to support the families of the victims.

He said “tragedy has knocked on our door once again” in Tete, following an incident there in 2015 which saw around 70 people die after drinking contaminated beer, the AP reported.

A government task force has headed to the scene and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blast is underway, the news agency said.