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At least 15 dead after petrol tanker catches fire in Jordan
Amman, June 04: At least 15 people were burned to death in Amman today after a petrol tanker overturned and caught fire during morning rush-hour, trapping occupants inside their cars, officials said.
Amman, June 04: At least 15 people were burned to
death in Amman today after a petrol tanker overturned and
caught fire during morning rush-hour, trapping occupants
inside their cars, officials said.
"The death toll has now risen to 15 and 20 people were
injured, including three little girls," a civil defence source
told a news agency, after initially counting 12 dead.
Most of the victims were burned beyond recognition, the
source said, adding that the death toll could still rise.
Interior minister Koftan Majali immediately rushed to the scene of the blaze, telling reporters that the incident "is not a terrorist work but an accident that can happen anywhere".
Majali put the death toll, however, at 11 and said that 11 other people suffered burns when the truck overturned, spilling its fuel, which then ignited around some 20 cars.
The accident occurred when a small petrol tanker overturned at 9:30 am (1200 hrs IST) on a downhill slope between the third circle area of Amman and the city centre, near a traffic light, where dozens of cars were stopped.
According to Majali, the driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle and jumped out as it overturned, spilling its lethal content on the street.
The accident took place across the street from a tobacco factory and down the hill from several five star hotels, foreign embassies and ambassadorial residences.
Bureau Report
Interior minister Koftan Majali immediately rushed to the scene of the blaze, telling reporters that the incident "is not a terrorist work but an accident that can happen anywhere".
Majali put the death toll, however, at 11 and said that 11 other people suffered burns when the truck overturned, spilling its fuel, which then ignited around some 20 cars.
The accident occurred when a small petrol tanker overturned at 9:30 am (1200 hrs IST) on a downhill slope between the third circle area of Amman and the city centre, near a traffic light, where dozens of cars were stopped.
According to Majali, the driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle and jumped out as it overturned, spilling its lethal content on the street.
The accident took place across the street from a tobacco factory and down the hill from several five star hotels, foreign embassies and ambassadorial residences.
Bureau Report