Following the fuel tanker crash and explosion in Liberia on Tuesday, the death toll has risen to 52, with an additional 12 individuals succumbing to their injuries, according to Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah.

The tanker overturned along a road in Totota town, about 130 km (80 miles) from Monrovia, the capital, igniting into flames as people hurried to collect fuel from the scene, eyewitnesses reported.

Tragically, some bodies were reduced to ashes, as confirmed by a health official.

Dr. Jallah also revealed to the BBC that approximately 89 others, currently receiving treatment in the hospital, are in a critically unstable state.

The cause of the crash remains uncertain.

Video footage depicts a sizable crowd, including children, gathering around the overturned tanker before it erupted in flames. Some individuals had buckets and jerrycans, while others were on top of the tanker when the incident occurred.

Liberia's President George Weah expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, expressing deep disturbance at the tragedy, according to his office.

Mr. Weah has extended his full support to health authorities, backing efforts to bolster manpower and equipment for the urgent task of saving lives, as stated in the official release.

Simultaneously, a group identifying itself as the Concerned Bong County Citizens has urged the president to declare a national day of mourning. "Such a day will give us the opportunity as a nation and people to collectively mourn the death of so many of our compatriots," the group stated in a released statement.<