More Than 40 Dead in Liberia After Leaking Fuel Tanker Exploded as People Tried to Collect Gas

In this photo provided by the Liberia National Red Cross Society, health workers from the Liberia National Red Cross Society and the Bong County Health Team move the bodies of victims of a tanker explosion in Totota, Liberia, Tuesday Dec. 26, 2023. Authorities in Liberia say a leaking fuel tanker exploded as people gathered to collect the gasoline, leaving more than 40 dead. Officials say the blast on Tuesday also injured at least 83 people in Totota town in the central part of the West African country. Liberia National Red Cross Society via AP

MONROVIA, Liberia—A leaking fuel tanker exploded earlier this week as people gathered to collect the gasoline, leaving more than 40 dead, authorities in Liberia said Thursday.

The blast on Tuesday also injured at least 83 people in the town of Totota in the central part of the West African country, health officials said.