Congo oil tanker explosion causes devastation

The explosion of an oil tanker in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has caused widespread environmental devastation.

On Saturday (July 3rd), a tanker blew up in Sange after it overturned on the road and caught fire.

Speaking to AFP news agency, eyewitness Tondo Sahirzira said: "Petrol began to leak out but instead of fleeing, people came to collect the fuel … A few minutes later there was an explosion, flames burst from the truck and spread very quickly."

The fire ruined the village after it burnt a number of thatched homes.

It also caused the deaths of 232 people and wounded over 100 locals after they tried to contain the leaking fuel.

President Joseph Kabila has ordered two days of mourning this week as a sign of respect for the lives that were lost in the explosion.

By comparison, BP's oil explosion in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20th killed 11 people.

Posted by Claire Manning