LOME, May 25 (Xinhua) -- An oil tanker exploded in northern Benin, killing at least 35 people and injuring 80 more as they rushed to collect fuel pouring from the damaged vehicle, according to a radio report reaching here from Cotonou on Thursday.

    Benin's National Radio was quoted as saying that the explosion occurred in Porga, near the Burkina Faso border and about 500 km north of Benin's commercial hub of Cotonou.

    The radio said the fuel tanker burst into flames, killing 23 people at the spot. Some 80 seriously injured people were brought to the hospital late on Wednesday, but 12 had since died and more were expected to succumb to their injuries.

    Benin's president sent a government delegation to visit the wounded. The delegation would meet the injured and rescue workers. Enditem