More than 50 people have been killed after a fuel tanker exploded in the West African nation of Niger.

The tank truck was filled with gasoline when it overturned and exploded on Sunday night near Niamey, the capital.

The Niger government says the explosion killed at least 58 people and injured 37 others.

Eyewitnesses say people crowded around the tanker after it overturned and tried to collect the fuel that was leaking out.

Images from the scene show burned trucks and motorbikes around the blackened tanker.

Similar incidents have taken place in African nations. In 2012, more than 90 people were killed in Nigeria -- the largest oil producer in the region.

NHK