At least 111 people died in the explosion of an overturned gasoline tanker near the town of Molo, Kenya on Saturday night, media reported Sunday.

“Certainly this is a national tragedy. We have just been informed that more succumbed to injuries in hospitals. The total number is now 111,” Interior Minister George Saitoti said as he inspected the scene of the deadly blaze.

The Kenya Red Cross also said the death toll was 111 but was expected to rise.

Overwhelmed hospitals nearby were packed with victims, including small children, suffering from horrific burns. Many were lying on the floors, hooked up to drips and moaning in pain as doctors tried to save their lives.

Supplies, including body bags and extra medicine, were being sent by helicopter to the region.

Some witness accounts said the spill may have been set ablaze when one member of the crowd lit a cigarette.

Kenya police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said from the scene that the exact circumstances of the accident were still being investigated.

Molo is about 105 miles (170 kilometers) outside Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet