TRIPOLI, Libya

Seven people were killed when a fuel tanker truck caught fire and exploded in southern Libya on Monday, according to a local source.    

More than 40 people were also injured in the incident which took place in the town of Bent Bayya, the source told Anadolu Agency.  

The source said the truck caught fire as local residents were attempting to take leaked fuel after it broke down.  

There is a shortage of fuel in Libya’s southern region amid high prices.  

In a statement, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh said he ordered the formation of a crisis group to move the injured to hospitals for medical attention.  

* Writing by Ahmed Asmar