Government Spokesperson on Friday announced that President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared three days nationwide mourning as the death toll of citizens who died in petrol tank explosion in Maridi County of Western Equatoria State rises to 186.
Michael Makuei Lueth describes the incident as tragic, ordering the national flag to fly at half mast all over the country with effect from Friday.
He says President Kiir has conveyed heart felt condolences to families, friends and relatives of the fuel tank explosion victims.
The Government Spokesperson says the number of people injured in the fuel explosion has not been established, asserting that they are too many.
Spokesperson Makuei attributes the cause of the fuel explosion to smoking by citizens, but media reports with accounts from eyewitnesses and survivors attribute it to SPLA shooting and smoking.