June 5, 2026, 1:57 p.mJune 5, 2026, 1:57 p.m
After their truck broke down, 49 people died of thirst in the Sahara in northern Niger. The travelers returned from neighboring Mali to celebrate the Islamic festival of sacrifice with their families in Niger, the regional government of Agadez said.
Accordingly, the vehicle broke down in a remote desert region more than 80 kilometers west of the border town of Assamaka. Attempts by the driver, his helpers and the passengers to repair the truck failed. Without water, the group was stuck in the desert in extreme temperatures. The dead were buried in mass graves.
Two people survived
Two people reportedly survived. They walked more than 50 kilometers to a waterhole and then reached Assamaka, where they alerted the authorities.
On the way back from the mission, helpers found another broken down truck with more than 60 people on board, according to the governorate. The travelers were stuck in the desert after a three-day breakdown and were supplied with water.
Assamaka is close to the borders with Algeria and Mali and is an important hub on the Saharan travel routes. Migrants also often end up stranded in the desert or are abandoned by the authorities during illegal deportations. (sda/dpa)
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