49 Die of Thirst After Truck Breaks Down in Niger's Sahara Desert

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Niamey:At least 49 people died of thirst in a remote area of northern Niger after the truck carrying them broke down in the Sahara Desert, leaving passengers stranded for days without water in extreme heat, authorities said.

Only two people survived the ordeal. After making their way across the desert to the border town of Assamaka, they alerted authorities, who launched a rescue operation.

According to officials, the group was returning from Mali after attending a Muslim festival when their truck became stranded more than 80 kilometres west of Assamaka, a key crossing point between Niger and Algeria. The vehicle had departed from the Malian town of Telhandek but reportedly veered off its intended route.

Authorities said the driver, his assistant and passengers spent several days trying to repair the truck but were unable to get it running again. With no access to water and surrounded by harsh desert conditions, those on board became trapped in one of the world's most unforgiving environments.

Rescue teams later discovered dozens of bodies beneath and around the disabled vehicle. The victims were buried in mass graves by local authorities.

While returning from the rescue mission, officials encountered another truck carrying more than 60 people that had also broken down in the desert after a battery failure. The passengers had been stranded for three days. Rescue workers provided water, helped repair the vehicle and enabled the travellers to continue their journey safely.

The tragedy highlights the dangers faced by people travelling across the Sahara, a major route used by migrants and cross-border traders moving through West Africa toward North Africa and Europe.

Authorities said the deaths underscored the vulnerability of people undertaking long and risky journeys through remote desert regions in search of economic opportunities and better living conditions.

Pic Credit: AFP