A tragedy has occurred in the Sahara Desert in northern Niger. At least 49 people died of thirst after the truck carrying passengers returning from Mali broke down in the desert.
It was reported that two survivors of the incident alerted the authorities.
Rescue teams stated that the vehicle had been stranded in the desert for three days due to a battery failure.
The truck was not on its planned route
In a statement regarding the incident, the Agadez Governorate in Niger said, "The passengers were stranded in harsh conditions where survival is extremely difficult due to extreme temperatures and the lack of water or supply points." The statement noted that the truck, which had departed from the town of Telhandek in Mali, was not following its planned route.
The Governorate stated, "Despite all the efforts of the driver, his assistant, and the passengers, the vehicle could not be repaired, and when the water ran out, the passengers found themselves stranded in the middle of harsh desert conditions. Dozens of lifeless bodies were found under and around the stationary truck." It was reported that those who lost their lives were buried in mass graves by the rescue team sent to the region.
News Source: 12punto
