Niamey: A truck carrying dozens of passengers malfunctioned in the Sahara Desert in northern Niger, resulting in at least 49 deaths from dehydration and extreme heat. Two men miraculously survived by walking 50 kilometers to find water and help.
According to Thai News Agency, the truck was carrying dozens of Nigerien pilgrims returning from celebrating Eid al-Adha in Talhandek, Mali. It veered off its usual route and broke down in the vast Sahara Desert, near the border between Niger, Mali, and Algeria, about 80 kilometers west of Assamakka, Mali, late Thursday night (May 28). It is unclear how long the truck was stranded or the passengers, but they were exposed to extreme heat and lacked water. Despite several days of attempts by the driver and a trainee mechanic to repair the truck, they were unsuccessful.
The governor of Agadez region revealed that two men miraculously survived after deciding to trek over 50 kilometers through the desert in search of water. They then traveled to the town of Assamaqa, 30 kilometers away from any water source, to alert authorities. When rescue teams and Niger's military arrived at the scene, they found 49 bodies scattered around a truck. It is believed they died from dehydration and extreme heat. Due to the difficult terrain, authorities immediately buried all 49 victims in a mass grave.
During their return journey, the rescue team also found another truck stranded in the desert due to a dead battery. The truck was carrying more than 60 passengers and had been stuck in the desert for three days. Officials distributed water and helped repair the vehicle so it could continue its journey safely.
The desert routes in this region of Niger are major transportation and migration routes for people in West Africa, and are frequently the site of tragedies due to water shortages and extreme weather conditions. Local officials say this incident reflects the vulnerability of young people who cross borders to pursue economic activities or struggle for better living conditions in dangerous areas.