At least 49 people lost their lives after becoming stranded in a remote part of the Sahara Desert in Niger when the truck they were travelling in broke down, authorities have said.
The victims were part of a group returning from Mali to Niger to celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families when the tragedy unfolded.
Stranded in extreme desert conditions
According to officials in the Agadez governorate, the truck became immobilised in a remote desert area more than 80 kilometres west of Assamaka, a key border crossing between Niger and Algeria.
Unable to repair the vehicle and running out of water, the passengers were left trapped in one of the world’s harshest environments, where temperatures soar and access to water is extremely limited.
Authorities said the travellers remained stranded for several days before succumbing to dehydration.
Two survivors raise alarm
Remarkably, two people survived the ordeal after walking more than 50 kilometres to reach a water source. They then continued to Assamaka and alerted authorities about the stranded group.
A rescue team dispatched to the location found dozens of bodies in and around the stationary truck.
Officials later carried out burials for the victims in mass graves.
Journey from Mali ends in tragedy
Investigators learned that the vehicle had travelled from Talhandek in Mali, approximately 300 kilometres from the Nigerien border.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the vehicle breakdown or how long the passengers remained stranded before help arrived.
Dangerous migration and travel route
The Sahara region around Assamaka is a well-known transit corridor used by migrants, refugees and travellers moving across West and North Africa.
Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned about the dangers of crossing the vast desert, where mechanical failures, extreme heat and water shortages can quickly become life-threatening.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the risks faced by people travelling through some of the world’s most unforgiving landscapes