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Asphalt tank explosion leaves six dead in Tunisia

16 March 2021

An explosion in an industrial area of Gabès, south east Tunisia killed six people on March 14. One person was also injured by the blast.

Representative image: Shutterstock
Representative image: Shutterstock

The explosion happened at 09:30 local time and caused a large, black plume of smoke to rise into the sky. Four people were said to have died instantly while two others died after being transported to a local hospital. One person remains in a serious condition receiving treatment.

Local officials were unable to give further information about the incident but have said that search operations to find other possible victims would continue into March 15.

According to local media, the incident happened at an asphalt factory in an area of Gabés where several chemical and gas companies are located. Some reports say the impacted factory belongs to the Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT), however the company said in a statement that all of its employees were safe and accounted for.

Footage posted on social media taken at the scene shows several scorched tanks being cooled by firefighters.


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