Haiti: 24 killed, 40 injured in 'horrible' fuel truck explosion
What's the story
At least 24 people were killed and 40 others were injured when a fuel truck exploded on a road in Haiti's southern peninsula on Saturday. The government confirmed that half of the survivors suffered third-degree burns. Prime Minister Garry Conille visited the site near Miragoane in Nippes department, describing it as a "horrible scene." He announced that some critically injured victims had been airlifted for specialized care.
Witness account
PM Conille pledges support, witnesses describe scene
PM Conille assured that emergency teams were working tirelessly to save lives and pledged government support for victims and their families. A witness reported that the truck's gas tank was punctured by another vehicle, leading to people rushing to collect fuel before the explosion occurred. Those who were close to the truck got pulverized," the witness said. The incident took place around 7:00am local time with authorities reporting 16 bodies completely charred and unrecognizable.
Victim details
Victim demographics and previous incidents
Haiti's emergency services reported that the injured were mostly men, including three women and a child. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed yet. A similar incident in Cap-Haitien in 2021 killed at least 60 people, and it was suspected that they were attempting to steal fuel from a tanker truck.
Crisis
Fuel delivery challenges and nationwide emergency
In recent weeks, fuel deliveries to the Miragoane area have slowed due to trucks being transported via ferry to avoid gang-controlled highways around Port-au-Prince. The rise of gangs in the capital and surrounding regions has led to a humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacements, sexual violence, child recruitment, and widespread hunger. A nationwide state of emergency is currently in effect.