NAIROBI, Kenya

A devastating explosion resulting from the crash of a gas tanker in Liberia has claimed the lives of at least 40 people, with many more sustaining severe injuries.

Authorities said the incident occurred late Tuesday in the town of Totota, located around 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the Liberian capital of Monrovia.

Francis Kateh, the country’s chief medical officer, described the situation as “horrific,” and said: "We are still treating dozens of burn victims, and the death toll is unfortunately expected to rise."

The tanker, transporting around 9,000 gallons of flammable gas to Gbarnga, crashed in a populated area, with locals reaching the scene to collect leaking fuel just minutes before the explosion. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Authorities are working to determine the circumstances leading to the crash and subsequent blast.

According to Kateh, more than 80 injured people were taken to Phebe Hospital.