Fifty people have died of dehydration in the Sahara Desert after their lorry broke down in extreme temperatures, according to local authorities. The incident occurred in the remote Ténéré region of Niger, where daytime temperatures have exceeded 50 degrees Celsius. The victims, believed to be migrants travelling from sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa, were stranded for four days without water after the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure.
Rescue teams discovered the bodies scattered near the wreckage, some having attempted to walk for help. The driver, who survived, has been taken into custody for questioning. Human traffickers often use this route, and the deaths highlight the perilous conditions faced by migrants crossing the Sahara.
The United Nations has called for increased patrols and aid stations along key migration corridors.
