Haitian Prime Minister visits 'horrific scene' of gasoline truck explosion

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille visited the scene near the coastal town of Miragoane in Nippes province, where he witnessed the horrific scene. He said the most seriously injured victims were being airlifted for medical treatment.

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille. Photo: Getty

Mr Conille expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, pledging to support the victims and their families, and urged rescue teams to focus on saving the lives of the seriously injured. Earlier, authorities said at least 16 bodies were burned beyond recognition, while about 40 people were taken to local hospitals for treatment of burns.

According to witnesses, the incident occurred when the truck was hit by another vehicle and punctured the fuel tank, causing many people to gather to collect fuel.

Those closest to the truck died at the scene of the explosion. Sources said it was difficult to determine the exact number of fatalities because there were so many people, both passersby and those who came to collect the fuel.

Fuel deliveries to the Miragoane area have recently been disrupted as trucks have had to travel by ferry to avoid gang-controlled routes around the capital Port-au-Prince.

The security situation in the capital and surrounding areas has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, with mass displacement, sexual violence, child recruitment and widespread hunger. A state of emergency has been declared nationwide.

A similar incident occurred in the city of Cap-Haitien in 2021, killing at least 60 people as many also came to collect fuel from an oil tanker truck.

Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-tuong-haiti-tham-hien-truong-kinh-hoang-vu-no-xe-cho-xang-post312450.html