The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in South Sudan, Ellen Margrethe Loj, has expressed her sorrow to the victims of the recent fire incident in Maridi County, Western Equatoria.

In a statement, Ms Loej said she was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and terrible injuries suffered by scores of people.

About 200 people burnt to death and several others suffered severe injuries last week, after a fuel truck overturned and exploded. They had gathered to draw fuel leaking from the truck.

“We’ve been really saddened to learn about the death of these people, and we do want to address our condolences not only to the families of those people, but also to the government,” said Arianne Quentier, UNMISS Spokesperson.

Ms Quentier said UNMISS also airlifted several emergency consignments of medical supplies to the affected people.

She said the mission’s emergency response was carried out with support of the ministry of health and other aid partners.