The tanker carrying gasoline crashed and tipped into a ditch along a road in Totota, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the capital Monrovia, Paralel.Az reports citing France24.

Dr Francis Kateh told local broadcaster Super Bongese TV it was difficult to determine the number of victims because some had been reduced to ashes but he estimated that more than 40 people were killed in the incident.

"We have our team going from home to home to check those that are missing," he told AFP.

Police earlier put the death toll at 15 and said at least 30 people were injured as locals gathered at the scene.