The number of people who died after a fuel tanker caught fire in Maridi town on Wednesday has exceeded 150, according to officials.

Hundreds of residents had gathered around the tanker to collect fuel after it overturned in Mambe junction.

Fire erupted and several were burnt to death.

The Executive Director of the county, John Ezkia, says some of those wounded in the incident died after they were rushed to the hospital.

“Our situation here in Maridi is not good. The death toll has increased. We collected more dead bodies in Mambe junction,” he said.

Most of injured people are women and children.

Meanwhile, the care taker Governor of Western Equatoria State, Major General Patrick Zamoi, has sent his condolence to families of the deceased.

In a press statement, he called upon the people of Maridi to remain calm and united as they mourn the deaths.