Agadez, Niger. Authorities in Niger said 49 people died of thirst after a truck carrying Nigerien nationals returning from Mali broke down in a remote area of the Sahara desert near the borders with Mali and Algeria. The deaths were announced in a statement published on Thursday by the governor of Niger’s Agadez region.
Truck stranded in remote desert area
According to the statement, the travellers were on their way home to their families when the truck got lost and later broke down in an isolated area. Authorities said the group was left without water and was unable to repair the vehicle.
Rescue alert and recovery operation
Two men walked dozens of kilometres to reach the nearest town and alert authorities to the incident. Responders found the bodies of 49 people under the stranded truck and in the surrounding area, and buried the victims in mass graves dug at the site.
Separate assistance for another stranded truck
Responders also assisted another truck that had been stranded for three days with more than 60 people on board after its battery failed.
Travel to mining sites
Young Nigeriens travel to Mali for work at artisanal mining sites despite risks from militant groups.