Maputo, Mozambique — Authorities have reported that the death toll from a tragic fuel tanker explosion in the Vanduzi district of Manica province has now reached seven. The incident occurred last Friday when individuals attempted to siphon fuel from an overturned tanker.
Juvenal Chithovele, the clinical director at Chimoio Provincial Hospital, spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the dire situation. He indicated that 11 individuals hospitalized after the explosion remain in critical condition, and three women have succumbed to their injuries over the past 24 hours.
Most of the survivors suffered severe burns, with some experiencing injuries covering up to 90 percent of their bodies. Chithovele remarked on the grave circumstances, stating that while medical teams have stabilized many patients, their conditions remain precarious. “The next few days will be crucial in determining their outcomes,” he added.
Despite the seriousness of many cases, Chithovele expressed some optimism. A subset of patients, with burns affecting approximately 20 percent of their bodies, are classified as moderate cases and are currently receiving treatment aimed at recovery. He clarified that these individuals will not need to be transferred to Beira Central Hospital, as Chimoio Provincial Hospital is adequately equipped to manage their care.
Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the explosion may have been sparked as individuals gathered around the tanker in an effort to steal fuel from the vehicle, which had skidded off the road.
The community is grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy, highlighting ongoing concerns over safety and the risks associated with fuel theft. Residents are calling for heightened awareness and preventive measures to avert similar incidents in the future.
As families mourn their losses, hospitals in the region prepare to provide the necessary care for those injured in this unfortunate event. Medical teams are on high alert as they navigate the challenges of treating such severe burn cases.