Many children in Maridi have been orphaned by the recent fuel truck explosion in the area, according to Western Equatoria State officials.

About 200 people lost their lives to a fire, after a fuel truck overturned and exploded on Wednesday last week. Many others sustained severe injuries.

The state Minister of Gender Child and Social Welfare, Jennifer Dawa, says most of those affected were parents with children.

“She said most of the people killed were parents who had more than five children in one household,” reported Paul Night, Eye Radio reporter.

The ministry will reportedly assess the situation and provide assistance accordingly.