Tragedy in Sahara: Nearly 50 People Die of Thirst in Niger After Truck Breakdown
At least 49 people have died of thirst in northern Niger’s remote Sahara region following the breakdown of the truck carrying them, according to BBC.
The victims had been returning from Mali after attending a Muslim festival.
During their return journey, they ran out of water and were left stranded more than 80 km (50 miles) west of Assamaka, a key border crossing between Niger and Algeria.
“The travellers found themselves trapped in the heart of a hostile environment where extreme temperatures and lack of supply points make survival extremely difficult,” said a statement from the Agadez governor.
Two people survived and trekked across the desert to Assamaka, where they informed authorities.
Real Tragedy
According to a statement from the governor, the lorry had departed from the Malian town of Telhandek but deviated from its intended route.
Consequently, the driver and passengers made repeated attempts over several days to repair the vehicle. However, their efforts ultimately failed.
“Deprived of water and unable to repair the vehicle despite the efforts of the driver, his apprentice and passengers, travelers found themselves trapped in the heart of a hostile environment,” the statement added.
It also revealed that dozens of bodies were found beneath the stranded truck and in its surrounding area.
A rescue team dispatched by local authorities buried the victims in mass graves at the area.
Niger Desert
Interestingly, the Niger desert serves as a key migration corridor for people from across West Africa seeking to reach Europe, despite the dangers of such journeys.
The governor said that the incident spotlighted the vulnerability of young people involved in migratory and cross-border economic activity.
He further noted that those people are often compelled to pass through unstable areas in order to survive or secure improved living conditions.
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